Toronto, April 23, 2009

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has received another funding boost from the provincial government. On April 21, the Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture, announced an additional $5 million for the Ontario Arts Council.

• The latest increase to OAC’s annual funding brings the total annual investment in the Ontario Arts Council to almost $60 million in 2009/2010.
  
• By 2010 most arts sectors will have seen their budgets grow by 30 per cent. Our project program budgets will be augmented to address the escalating needs of individual artists.
  
• The National and International Touring program will be substantially increased. We will continue to expand our Outreach unit, including the new Northeastern Arts consultant role based in Sudbury.
  
• Some programs will see increases because of their connection to our strategic priorities —Aboriginal, culturally diverse, francophone and regional arts communities.
  
• Last July, the Ontario Arts Council launched Connections and Creativity, a five-year strategic plan to guide its overall direction in support of Ontario’s arts community. This new funding will help us achieve the goals outlined in the strategic plan.
  

Quotes

“Ontario’s artists and arts organizations are essential players in Ontario’s new creative economy. Investments in the arts help to stimulate economic development, strengthen tourism to the province and create jobs,” said Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture.

“The work of Ontario’s artists and arts organizations enriches our communities through economic, social and cultural benefits. By investing in the Ontario Arts Council, this government is placing value on our arts infrastructure, helping us reach new audiences and supporting artistic exploration,” said Martha Durdin, Chair, Ontario Arts Council.

Background

• In March 2007 the government of Ontario announced a $15 million increase to OAC’s base funding over three years.
  
  
• This increase was followed a year later by an additional $5 million, bringing the government’s total annual investment in the Ontario Arts Council to almost $60 million by 2009/2010.

• Budget increases to most arts sectors will have grown by 30 per cent over three years from 2007 to 2010.
  
  
• Some sectors have seen larger increases, a reflection of the priorities that form the basis of the new strategic plan.

For more information, please contact:
Kirsten Gunter
Director of Communications
416-969-7403 / 1-800-387-0058, ext. 7403 or kgunter@arts.on.ca

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is the province of Ontario’s primary funding body for professional arts activity. Since 1963, OAC has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts and artists for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians. For more information, visit the OAC website at www.arts.on.ca.