Ontario Government Boosting Arts and Culture in Whitby

New $28,307 Investment Will Support Jobs and Maximize the Impact of the Local Arts and Culture Sector

November 13, 2024

WHITBY – The Ontario government is making important investments in Whitby to support good jobs, empower local artists, and help community arts and culture organizations thrive.

Today, Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier announced that Station Gallery will receive $28,307 through the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.

“Our government understands the important role that the arts play in fostering dynamic and thriving communities across Ontario,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. “This support will help Station Gallery in Whitby continue to make a positive impact on our local economy, create good jobs and draw more visitors to our community.”

The Public Art Galleries: Operating program grant is designed to maximize the positive impact of Ontario’s cultural sector in local communities throughout the province. The program provides operating support to not-for-profit, professional public art galleries in Ontario to help them make or present high-quality work for a wide range of audiences and participants. In Whitby, this funding will enable Station Gallery to continue presenting exhibitions of regional and national contemporary art, while building strong community connections through its education programs.

“Ontario’s arts and culture organizations enrich our lives and boost economic activity,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our government is thrilled to provide Station Gallery the funding that it requires to continue its great work in Whitby, complementing the creative endeavours of other arts organizations across the province.”

“We are deeply grateful for this support from the Ontario Arts Council, which will enable Station Gallery to continue our mission of bringing inspiring art experiences to Whitby

and beyond,” said Natasha Downes, Executive Director of Station Gallery. “This funding not only sustains our ability to showcase local and regional artists but also strengthens our educational outreach and engagement with the community. Together, we’re building a vibrant arts culture that enriches lives and enhances Whitby’s creative landscape.”

Quick Facts

· Ontario is investing in 39 arts organizations through the Public Art Galleries: 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 professionals, ad hoc groups, collectives and organizations, supporting a range of arts activities and disciplines.

· In 2023-24, OAC invested $53 million in 219 communities, in all 124 Ontario ridings through 2,133 grants to individual artists and 1,038 grants to organizations.