Thunder Bay – Superior North Celebrates its Artists and Arts Organizations

Written by Ontario Newsroom on 10 October 2013

MPP Michael Gravelle Announces Ontario Arts Council’s Grants for 2013–14

Artists and arts organizations enrich Ontario’s communities in many ways, enhancing our quality of life and contributing significantly to our economy. Today, we are celebrating the work of artists and arts organizations who over the past year have received funding from the Ontario Arts Council, the province’s primary funding body for the arts. Over the last year, a total of $ 219,050 was allocated to professional artists and arts organizations in the riding of Thunder Bay – Superior North.

The arts are a vital part of Ontario’s communities. The culture sector directly generates almost $20 billion annually to Ontario’s economy, and creates more than 250,000 jobs in communities around the province. In addition to the economic impact, a healthy arts and culture sector contributes to the quality of life in our communities. Watch OAC’s 50^th anniversary video below this article (scroll down), to hear more about how the arts contribute to our lives and the vitality of our communities.

The following grant recipients will be recognized for 2013/2014:

Operating grants are:

Bay Street Film Festival was awarded $12,000 through the Media Arts Organizations program toward its 2013-14 operations.
Definitely Superior Art Gallery was awarded $35,500 through the Visual Arts Artist-Run Centres and Organizations program toward its 2013-14 operations.
Magnus Theatre Company was awarded $144,400 through the Theatre Organizations program toward its 2013-14 season.

Project grants are:

Consortium Aurora Borealis was awarded $9,000 through the Presenter/Producer Projects program toward its 2013-14 (35th anniversary) season.
Geraldton Children’s Entertainment Series was awarded $5,600 through the Ontario Arts Presenters program.
Geraldton Kinsmen Overture Concerts was awarded $3,300 through the Ontario Arts Presenters program toward six concerts starting in the fall of 2013 and completing in spring 2014.
New Music North was awarded $4,750 through the Presenter/Producer Projects program toward its 2013-14 season.
Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop was awarded $5,000 through the Literary Festivals and Organizations Projects program.

“As a long-time supporter and advocate of the arts, I am pleased that the Ontario Art Council continues to provide funding opportunities to area artists and a number of various projects. Our community is truly enhanced and enriched by the invaluable contribution made by these artists and art organizations.” – MPP Michael Gravelle

QUICK FACTS

Now in its 50^th year, the Ontario Arts Council plays a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians. In 2012-2013, OAC funded 1,793 individual artists and 1,076 organizations in 232 Ontario communities, for a total of $52.1 million.
Studies show Ontarians believe culture is integral to their quality of life. A 2010 study by Environics Research reveals that a resounding 95 per cent of Ontarians believe the arts enrich the quality of our lives.
The economic impact of Ontario’s arts and culture tourism is substantial. Specifically, arts and culture tourist spending generated $3.7 billion in GDP province-wide, approximately 67,700 jobs, $2.4 billion in wages, and $1.7 billion in taxes (including $3.1 million for Ontario municipalities) in 2010, according to a report prepared by Research Resolutions & Consulting Ltd.