Ontario Boosting Arts and Culture in Oshawa

August 27, 2025

New Investments Will Support Jobs and Maximize the Impact of the Local Arts and Culture Sector

News | August 27, 2025

OSHAWA – The Ontario government is supporting Oshawa through an investment of $34,025 to support good jobs, empower local artists and help community arts and culture organizations thrive.

Ontario Philharmonic (OP) will receive $10,025 through the Ontario Arts Council’s (OAC) Music Organizations: Operating program.

Conseil des organismes francophones de la région de Durham (Council of Francophone Organizations of Durham Region – COFRD) will receive $24,000 through the Ontario Arts Council’s Diffusion francophone – fonctionnement program.

“Arts and culture are vital to Region of Durham Communities, contributing to social, economic and individual well-being,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and Children, Community and Social Services. “They foster a sense of belonging, strengthen social cohesion and enhance quality of life.”

OAC’s Music Organizations Operating program provides multi-year and annual operating support to not-for-profit, professional music organizations in Ontario to help them make or present high-quality work for a wide range of audiences and participants.

The Diffusion francophone – fonctionnement program provides operating support to not-for-profit, professional presenter organizations of Francophone arts in Ontario to help them make or present high-quality work for a wide range of audiences and participants.

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

The operational 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 arts and culture organizations enrich our lives and boost economic activity,” said Stan Cho,
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is crucial we invest in made-in-Ontario
experiences that build stronger communities, strengthen local economies and celebrate our shared
heritage. Our government is thrilled to provide the Ontario Philharmonic and the Council of Francophone
Organizations of Durham Region with the funding they require to continue their great work in Oshawa
and other parts of the Durham Region, complementing the creative endeavors of other arts organizations across the province.”

Upon the news of the 2025-2026 OAC grant, Chair Sherry Bassin stated, “Ontario Philharmonic serves its
community with distinction under Music Director, Marco Parisotto’s baton. Under his expert direction, the direction of my board colleagues, corporate sponsors, individual donors, foundations, volunteers and
OP’s exceptional staff, great heights continue being achieved, musically speaking and at the socio
economic level. OP is a 69-year-old cultural asset well-deserving of this provincial grant and recognition. And, as Canadian author, Gabielle Roy wrote, ‘Could we ever know each other in the slightest without the
arts.’ Durham Region has an orchestra that is dedicated to embracing and creating a barrier-free
environment for all, from ages 7 up to 107 with outreach and education. OAC’s Multi-Year Operating Grant has been bestowed on OP since 2011.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Arts Council for this vital support
through the Diffusion francophone – fonctionnement program,” said Boluwa Massina, Directrice Générale
/ Executive Director, Conseil des organismes francophones de la région de Durham (COFRD). “This
funding of $24,000 strengthens our ability to continue to showcase Francophone arts and culture in
Durham region, support local talent, and foster meaningful community engagement. As a proud
Francophone organization, COFRD remains committed to enriching the cultural fabric of Ontario by
creating inclusive spaces where creativity, language, and identity can thrive. This investment reinforces the
value of Francophone voices in building a more vibrant, resilient, and prosperous province.”

Quick Facts
•Ontario is investing in 75 arts organizations through the Music Organizations: Operating program.
•The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. It provides grants to Ontario-based individual artists and arts professional 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.

MPP Contact:
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-1141