Government Supports Original Opera Production

Hamilton - Ontario is helping build its creative economy and enhance its quality of life by supporting a project led by Opera Hamilton. The province is investing $50,000 to develop a new Canadian opera based on the life of Chief Joseph Brant. The opera will help attract new audiences and generate more cultural tourism for the region. The opera will also provide special opportunities for youth to experience the arts by touring with a condensed version of the show for schools in southern Ontario.

Funding for this announcement is from the Cultural Strategic Investment Fund, which helps build a strong and stable cultural sector by funding projects that contribute to Ontario's cultural development and achieve economic and creative growth.

"Building our cultural sector is about making our economy more competitive and improving the quality of life for Ontarians. This investment in Opera Hamilton does both for our community." - Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP Hamilton Mountain

"Ontario is committed to ensuring programs and services that strengthen economic growth. Through its unique and original production, Opera Hamilton will generate new ideas for economic growth and job creation in the region." - Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture

- Ontario's culture sector generates almost $20 billion of the province's Gross Domestic Product.

- Ontario's creative sector is the third largest in North America by employment after California and New York.