Toronto, May 8, 2003 — The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is delighted that it was noted in the Government of Ontario’s Speech from the Throne last week and is looking forward to hearing more details about this new initiative.
“The arts make a significant contribution to the health of communities,” said David H. Tsubouchi, Minister of Culture. “The Ontario Arts Council is well placed to support new business growth and training in the arts.”
“This additional funding will allow OAC to address components and priorities of our new strategic plan, which we will launch in the coming weeks,” said Julia Foster, Chair of the Ontario Arts Council. “We would like to acknowledge both the efforts of the Honourable David Tsubouchi, Minister of Culture, and the many individuals in the arts community who championed the significance of provincial funding to the arts.”
The good news announcement is well-timed as OAC is celebrating its 40th anniversary throughout the current fiscal year. The activities will focus on a special communications program designed to highlight for Ontarians the many success stories in the arts. OAC has planned an Ambassador program with several components that will involve artists and representatives of arts organizations who have at some point received OAC support.
Since its creation on April 26, 1963, OAC has played a key role in supporting Ontario artists and nurturing the arts in communities across the province. The Ontario Arts Council currently awards $18.3 million to 868 organizations and $3.7 million in grants to 1,256 individual artists. These 2,124 grants cover 236 communities across Ontario
An independent agency of the provincial Ministry of Culture, OAC provides support for artists and not-for-profit arts organizations in Ontario through grants, awards, and services.
OAC Media Contact: Kirsten Gunter, Manager of Communications
Tel: (416) 969-7403. Toll-free outside of Toronto: 1-800-387-0058, ext. 7403.
E-mail: kgunter@arts.on.ca