Ontario Investing $7 Million to Strengthen Literary Arts and Publishing Sector

Province boosts funding for authors, publishers, and literary festivals to grow Ontario’s creative economy

Toronto, ON – The Ontario government is investing more than $7 million to support the province’s literary and publishing sector, aiming to strengthen Ontario’s creative economy and help local authors and publishers bring Ontario’s stories to the world.

Supporting Ontario’s Creative Storytellers

“Ontario’s literary and publishing sector is a cornerstone of our cultural identity,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By protecting and promoting Ontario’s authors, publishers and storytellers, we’re preserving our shared heritage while driving economic growth and creative opportunity in communities across the province. When Ontario’s artists thrive, our whole province thrives.”

The investment is part of Ontario’s 2025-26 plan to protect and promote cultural industries through key funding channels.

Our government is protecting our creative industries and supporting local talent with a $7M investment in Ontario’s literary arts and publishing sector.

This support helps authors, publishers, and literary festivals share Ontario’s stories with the world. 📚✨ pic.twitter.com/mb5eTQ5dXx

— Stan Cho (@StanChoMPP) October 30, 2025

Breakdown of the 2025–26 Funding

• Ontario Creates – $5.1 million to support the creation, marketing, and development of literary projects and to strengthen Ontario’s publishing industry.

• Ontario Arts Council – $1.9 million in grants to 75 artists and organizations fostering new and diverse written and spoken works.

• Experience Ontario 2025 – Over $100,000 in grants for literary festivals that celebrate Canadian heritage and promote tourism and job creation.

Celebrating Ontario’s Literary Festivals

Among the beneficiaries is the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA), which is receiving over $200,000 this year as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and first year as a fully independent organization.

“The ongoing support from Minister Cho and the Ontario government through the Ontario Arts Council and initiatives such as Experience Ontario has been integral to TIFA’s success,” said Roland Gulliver, Artistic Director and CEO of TIFA. “This funding will help bring authors to audiences all year round and celebrate Ontario and Canada’s rich and diverse literary community.”

TIFA, running from October 29 to November 2, brings together acclaimed writers, readers, and thinkers from across the globe, reaffirming Ontario’s place as a leading cultural hub.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Ontario’s cultural industries continue to make a significant contribution to the province’s economy. In 2023, the culture sector generated $27 billion in GDP and supported nearly 270,000 jobs. Tourism related to arts and culture also remains a key economic driver, with visitors spending $33 billion in 2024 and supporting over 300,000 jobs.

Investments like these not only celebrate Ontario’s literary excellence but also support local tourism, small businesses, and main street revitalization.

As Ontario continues to invest in its creative industries, this latest funding underscores the province’s commitment to protecting cultural identity while fueling economic growth and opportunity across communities.

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