Ontario Boosts Support For The Arts

Ontario Government Invests In Growing Creative Sector

TORONTO - Ontario artists, including dancers, painters, actors, musicians and writers, will benefit from a big boost from the provincial government.

Ontario is providing $20 million in new funding to the Ontario Arts Council over the next four years to support the province's growing arts and culture sector.

The funding will help the OAC: <<

- Develop Ontario arts organizations and artists
- Promote art and culture in communities across Ontario
- Increase its services to artists and creators >>

This new investment will bring the OAC's annual budget to almost $60 million by 2009-10, an increase of 140 per cent since 2003.

QUOTES

"The Ontario Arts Council provides vital support to many of Canada's talented artists and arts organizations," said Culture Minister Aileen Carroll. "Today's announcement will bolster our growing arts and culture sector and enhance the quality of life in communities across Ontario."

"Thanks to the generous support of the McGuinty government, we will be able to provide more services to help develop and promote Ontario's talented artists and arts organizations," said OAC Chair Martha Durdin.

QUICK FACTS <<

- In 2006-2007, OAC funded 1,224 individual artists and 867 organizations in 255 communities across Ontario.

- The OAC provides more than 50 granting programs for Ontario artists and art organizations.

- Ontario's Ministry of Finance has identified the entertainment and creative industries as one of the key economic sectors expected to grow faster than the rest of the economy over the next two decades.