Celebrating Support for the Arts in Algoma-Manitoulin
MPP Michael Mantha recognizes recipients of 2016-17 Ontario Arts Council grants
The arts play a vital role in Ontario’s communities, enhancing our quality of life and delivering significant economic benefits. Ontario’s arts, culture and heritage sector represents $27.7 billion or 4.1 per cent of the province’s GDP and almost 302,000 jobs.*
“Today, I am pleased to acknowledge the work of artists and arts organizations from Algoma-Manitoulin who over the past year have received strong funding support. Funding for the arts in Ontario is provided by the Ontario Arts Council which is the primary funding body for the arts in this province. I have always said that Algoma-Manitoulin is fortunate have such incredible talent and strength in the artistic community. In 2016-17, 22 individual artisans and 17 organizations received a total of $517,967 in funding. I encourage everyone to get out and support our talented people and organizations as they share their music, visual arts and theatre.” MPP Michael Mantha, Algoma-Manitoulin
QUICK FACTS
- For more than 50 years, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians. In 2016-17, OAC funded 1,657 individual artists and 1,098 organizations in 212 communities across Ontario for a total of $50.8 million.
- Ontarians believe that culture is integral to their quality of life. A 2017 study by Nanos Research reveals that 90 per cent of Ontarians agree that the arts enrich their community’s quality of life. A further 88 per cent believe that participating in arts activities builds a shared sense of community identity.
- The economic impact of Ontario’s arts and culture tourism is substantial. In 2010, arts and culture tourist spending contributed $3.7 billion to Ontario’s GDP, as well as approximately 67,700 jobs, $2.4 billion in wages, and $1.7 billion in taxes (including $3.1 million for Ontario municipalities), according to a report prepared by Research Resolutions & Consulting Ltd.
*These figures measure all of the culture sector’s output – including both culture and non-culture products, e.g. a theatre company may generate GDP from both ticket sales – a culture activity – and food and beverage services – a non-culture activity.
