Ontario Invests $10 Million to Strengthen Arts and Culture Sector

Ontario commits over $10 million through the Ontario Arts Council to fund 226 artists and organizations, boosting creativity, community impact, and Canadian identity.

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing more than $10 million through the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) to support 226 artists and cultural organizations across the province. The funding is aimed at enriching communities, fostering Canadian identity, and strengthening the economic impact of the arts.

“Whether it’s helping artists and organizations achieve their visions, reach wider audiences or cultivate meaningful connection through creative projects, Ontario’s arts and culture sector plays a vital role in building vibrant communities and driving economic growth,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, in the face of threats to our economy and sovereignty, we must invest in and celebrate homegrown artistic talent and programs that bring people together, tell our stories and foster pride in Canadian creativity and culture.”

Diverse Funding Recipients

The 2025–26 recipients span many disciplines including theatre, music, literature, visual arts, dance, craft, and media arts. Examples include:

• Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario – $180,110 to support the development of Francophone artists in Northern Ontario.

• VIBE Arts – $74,691 for arts education programming that helps children and youth in under-served GTA communities explore their artistic potential.

• Canadian Children’s Book Centre – $65,278 to strengthen children’s publishing in Canada, providing resources to educators, parents, and industry professionals.

• Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance – $61,367 to build connections between Indigenous artists and Canada’s broader performing arts community.

Impact on Communities

Simon Foster, Chair of the Ontario Arts Council, highlighted the sector’s combined creative and economic impact. “Every dollar invested through OAC generates $25 in revenue, fueling both creativity and economic growth. Each year, nearly 3,000 OAC grants in more than 200 communities reach over 31 million attendees. From flagship institutions to grassroots projects, OAC funding brings people together, amplifies diverse voices, and strengthens our cultural and economic landscape.”

Between 2018 and 2023, Ontario invested over $350 million in OAC grants supporting more than 20,000 projects. Those investments sustained 5,300 full-time jobs annually and generated more than $5.8 billion in GDP.

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