Toronto — Ontario is investing more than $10 million to bolster the province’s arts and culture sector, providing funding to 226 organizations and artists through the Ontario Arts Council (OAC). The funding aims to support creative projects, foster Canadian identity, and stimulate local economies.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming announced the initiative Wednesday, describing the investment as both a cultural and economic driver for communities across the province.
“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.”
Supporting Artists Across Disciplines
The Ontario Arts Council provides annual grants across multiple fields, including theatre, music, literature, dance, craft, visual arts, and media arts. Recipients include both long-established institutions and individual creators.
This year’s beneficiaries highlight the diversity of Ontario’s cultural landscape. Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario in Sudbury will receive $180,110 to support Francophone artistic development in northern Ontario. VIBE Arts is being granted $74,691 to expand arts education in under-served communities in the Greater Toronto Area. The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is receiving $65,278 to strengthen the country’s children’s publishing sector, while the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance will use its $61,367 grant to foster connections between Indigenous performers and Canada’s wider arts community.
Economic and Social Returns
OAC leaders emphasized the broader economic value of these investments.
“Arts and culture are at the heart of Ontario’s identity and vitality,” said Simon Foster, Chair of the Ontario Arts Council. “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.”
Government data underscores the sector’s economic impact. Between 2018 and 2023, Ontario allocated more than $350 million across 20,000 OAC grants, which supported an estimated 5,300 full-time jobs annually and contributed over $5.8 billion to provincial GDP.
Broader Investment in Culture
The new $10 million commitment builds on last year’s $52.2 million OAC funding round, which supported artists and organizations in 204 communities across 123 ridings. In 2024–25 alone, the OAC awarded nearly 3,000 grants — 1,969 to individual artists and 1,030 to organizations.
The Ministry says this sustained investment demonstrates the government’s recognition of the arts as a strategic contributor to both cultural vitality and long-term economic resilience.
Looking Ahead
As Ontario faces pressures from global markets and debates over cultural sovereignty, policymakers are positioning the arts sector as a key part of the province’s identity and growth strategy. The targeted funding is expected to strengthen institutions, empower artists, and provide communities with greater access to cultural experiences.
For more details, including the full list of grant recipients, Ontarians can visit the Ontario Arts Council’s website.
