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Ontario Boosting Arts and Culture in Ottawa

November 6, 2025

Over $234,000 in new investment that will support local Francophone theatre and dance in Ottawa

OTTAWA – The Ontario government is investing just over $234,000 in Ottawa to support good jobs, empower and promote local Francophone artists.

The following will receive investments through the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. The announcement was made by George Darouze, MPP Carleton.

  • Réseau Ontario – $35,000
  • Carleton University Art Gallery – $39,414
  • Ottawa Art Gallery – $116,709
  • Arc Poetry Magazine – $37,202
  • Feathertale Review – $5,811

“Our government understands the important role that the arts play in fostering dynamic and thriving communities across Ontario,” said MPP Darouze. “This support will make investments in Francophone artists and arts organizations continue to make a positive impact on our economy, create good jobs and draw more visitors to our community.”

This initiative increases the range and diversity of Francophone professional theatre and dance available to Ontario communities. It creates touring and dissemination opportunities for Ontario-based Francophone theatre and dance artists; enables more people to engage with Francophone theatre and dance as both audiences and participants; supports exploration, adaptation and development of new ways of presenting and touring professional theatre and dance; and assists presenters in engaging with professional artists and connecting with local audiences. In Ottawa, this funding will enable all organizations to grow and support the success of the theaters, artists, and day to day operations.

The funding is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting workers, businesses, communities and jobs in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty, while creating a solid foundation for a strong, resilient and competitive future.

“Ontario’s Francophone arts and culture sector plays a vital role in building vibrant communities and driving economic growth,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, we must invest in homegrown artists and organizations that foster pride, inspire creativity and strengthen local economies. Our government is thrilled this investment will support [arts organization’s name] in showcasing creative Francophone artists to local audiences.”

Quick Facts

  • The Ontario Arts Council (OAC), an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, provides grants to Ontario-based individual artists and arts professionals, ad hoc groups, collectives and organizations, supporting a range of arts activities and disciplines.
  • In 2024-25, OAC invested $52.2 million in 204 communities across 123 Ontario ridings, providing 1,969 grants to individual artists and 1,030 grants to organizations.