Ontario Boosting Arts and Culture in the Durham Region

August 28, 2025

$73,640 Investment Will Support Jobs and Amplify the Impact of the Local Arts and Culture Sector

News | August 28, 2025

DURHAM REGION – The Ontario Government is supporting the creative and cultural sectors in Ajax and other parts of the Region of Durham through an investment of $73,640 to empower local artists and help community arts and culture organizations thrive.

R.I.S.E. Arts and Community Services and R.I.S.E. Edutainment from Ajax will receive two grants:

•$38,640 from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming through the Ontario Arts Council’s Touring & Circulation Projects program; and
•$17,000 from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming through the Ontario Arts Council’s Music Production and Presentation Projects program

The Uma Foundation in Ajax will receive:

•$18,000 from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming through the Ontario Arts Council’s Touring & Circulation Projects 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.”

The Music Production and Presentation Projects program grant is designed to maximize the positive impact of Ontario’s cultural sector in local communities throughout the province. The program supports the development and presentation (both live and virtual) of all genres of music by Ontario-based professional musicians, organizations and associations. Supported activities include rehearsal and repertoire development, single performances/concerts, concert series, music festivals, opera productions and second-stage opera workshops.

The Touring & Circulation Projects program supports touring and circulation by Ontario artists, arts groups and arts organizations for audiences across Ontario, Canada and internationally. Grants fund touring presentations and exhibitions in all artistic practices funded by OAC. Tours may also include engagements for audience-building, artist-presenter networking, and market development activities.

“Ontario’s arts and culture sector plays a vital role in enriching our lives and driving economic growth,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial we invest in homegrown experiences that foster pride in our communities, strengthen local economies and celebrate creative excellence. Our government is pleased to provide R.I.S.E. Arts and Community Services and R.I.S.E. Edutainment, and Uma Foundation with the funding they require to thrive in the Durham Region.”

“This support from the Ontario Arts Council comes at a critical time. Durham is experiencing tremendous growth, and with that comes a wave of new artists and creative voices ready to contribute. This funding is key to helping us create programs, performance opportunities, and a stronger infrastructure to support local South Asian artists. We are proud to build platforms that reflect the diversity and energy of this region and give emerging talent the stage they deserve.”

-Sathish Bala, Founder, Uma Foundation

“In every facet of life, art is woven into its essence. We cannot live without art. To be able to use these funds to support our community artists and provide space for Durham residents to gather under the guise of art is something we hope leaves an indelible mark on their lives. Thank you to Ontario Boosting Arts and Culture in the Durham Region for making this possible!”

– Randell Adjei, Executive Director, R.I.S.E. Arts & Community Services & R.I.S.E. Edutainment

Quick Facts

•Ontario is investing in 26 arts organizations and seven individual artists through the Music Production and Presentation Projects 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 professionals, organizations and associations, 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