The provincial government’s March 22
nd budget contained exciting news for the arts. The
Ontario Arts Council’s (OAC) annual budget has been increased by
$15 million over three years – a
37.5 per cent increase that will take it from the current
$40 million to $55 million by 2009-10.
Last spring, OAC presented a business case for increased funds to the Ministry of Culture. Over the course of the past year, Ontario’s arts community has been active in its support for additional resources.
“We are delighted with the announcement and I congratulate the Minister of Culture, the Honourable Caroline Di Cocco, and her team for their work on behalf of the arts community,” said OAC Chair, Martha Durdin. “The new funds will improve stability for Ontario’s arts community and at the same time encourage creativity and growth.”
Over the next three years, the money will be used to support new and established artists and arts organizations. It will also support growing needs in the Francophone, Aboriginal, culturally diverse and regional arts communities. Arts education, outreach and touring will also receive increases.
OAC is embarking on a strategic planning process that will involve consultations with various elements of the arts community around the province. What we learn from this process will guide our decision-making for the new resources.
We will share more information as it becomes available.
-30-
For more information:
Kirsten Gunter
Director of Communications
416-969-7403 or 1-800-387-0058 ext. 7403
kgunter@arts.on.ca
Ce document existe également en français.