Government of Ontario Announces $20 Million over four years to the Ontario Arts Council

The Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture announced an additional $20 million for the next four years to the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) at a reception held for the arts community in Kingston on Tuesday evening.

This boost to OAC’s annual funding, beginning in 2008/09, brings the total annual investment in the Ontario Arts Council to almost $60 million by 2009/2010.

“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.”

“We are delighted with this news,” said Martha Durdin, OAC Chair. “Last year the Ontario Arts Council’s support contributed to the work of more than 1300 artists and 874 organizations across Ontario. These new funds will help more arts flourish in more communities.”

The exciting news will help the Ontario Arts Council respond to pressing needs in the various arts sectors. The money will used to invest in new and established artists and arts organizations.

It will also support growing needs in the Aboriginal, culturally-diverse, francophone and regional arts communities. Arts education, outreach and touring are also priorities.

The Ontario Arts Council is currently in the process of completing its next five-year strategic plan which will be launched in early July. The plan will signal the overall direction for the Ontario Arts Council’s support to the arts throughout Ontario over the next five years.





If you have questions, please contact Kirsten Gunter, Director of Communications at kgunter@arts.on.ca or at 416-969-7403 / 1-800-387-0058 ext. 7403 (toll-free in Ontario).