March 2, 2021, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture, Lisa MacLeod announced an investment of $25 million to support the arts sector through the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding will be provided to 140 arts organizations, enabling these organizations to remain solvent and prepare for reopening.
Additional Announcements
This morning, the government provided an update on the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which provides eligible small business owners affected by COVID-19 closures and public health restrictions with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $20,000. To date, more than $1 billion has been provided through this program and more than 78,000 applications from small businesses have been processed.
Further Details
Ontario Announces Support for the Arts Sector
Today, Minister MacLeod announced an investment of $25 million to support artists and art organizations in Ontario through the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-time investment will enable these organizations to remain solvent and prepare to resume programming when it is safe to do so.
Of this funding, $24 million will be provided to 140 arts organizations, including a number of theatres and art galleries. Top funding recipients include:
- $1.98 million for the National Ballet of Canada (Toronto)
- $1.87 million for the Canadian Opera Company (Toronto)
- $1.82 million for the Stratford Festival
- $1.65 million for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
- $1 million for the Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
A full list of recipients can be found here.
The remaining $1 million will provide support directly to Ontario artists and creators. More information, including eligibility requirements, will soon be available on the Ontario Arts Council website.