New $175,000 investment will support jobs and strengthen the impact of Durham Region’s professional arts and culture sector
News August 21, 2026
DURHAM – The Ontario government is investing $175,616 in Durham Region to support good jobs, empower local artists and help community arts organizations thrive.
Four organizations will receive $175,616 through the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. This funding is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting workers, businesses, and communities in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
The recipients are:
- Conseil des organismes francophones de la région de Durham – $24,000
- RISE Arts and Community Services – $38,640
- Ontario Philharmonic – $20,000
- Robert McLaughlin Gallery – $92,976
“Our government understands the important role performing arts play in fostering dynamic and thriving communities across Ontario,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This support will help Durham Region’s artists and arts organizations continue to make a positive impact on our economy, create good jobs and draw more visitors to our community.”
This grant is being awarded through the Ontario Arts Operating Fund program. The program supports Ontario-based not-for-profit arts organizations and for-profit publishers led by, working with and providing services to professional artists across arts disciplines and sectors. Operating grants are a form of sustained investment in the province’s arts infrastructure.
“Durham Region has always had a strong arts and culture presence, which plays a vital role in strengthening economic growth and making our community thrive.” said the Hon. Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “This funding through the Ontario Arts Operating Fund will ensure that our local Ontario based not-for-profit organizations can keep doing what they do best – from showcasing community talent to giving families new ways to connect with the arts. Our government is proud to support all four recipients through the Ontario Arts Council.”
In Durham Region, this funding will enable arts organizations in Durham to expand cultural programming, support local artists and performers, preserve and celebrate
diverse communities, and provide exhibitions, performances and educational initiatives that strengthen community connections and enrich the region’s vibrant arts and culture sector.
Quotes
“We are deeply grateful to the Ontario government and the Ontario Arts Council for this increased investment in the Robert McLaughlin Gallery. This funding strengthens our ability to present exceptional exhibitions, preserve and share an important collection of Canadian art, create meaningful educational experiences, and care for artists. Most importantly, it helps us keep the RMG accessible and responsive to the communities we serve across Durham Region.”
- Alix Voz, Chief Executive Officer, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
“Ontario Philharmonic is deeply grateful to the Provincial Government and Ontario Arts Council for recognizing the merit and importance of the work we do for our community, increasing the vibrancy and resilience of our citizens through music.”
- Laura Vaillancourt, Executive Director, Ontario Philharmonic
“This generous funding from the Ontario Arts Council will allow RISE Arts and Community Services to continue providing essential services, platforms, and professional development opportunities not just for but with youth and emerging artists across Ontario. We are deeply grateful for this support, which enables us to expand our programming and continue empowering the next generation of creative leaders.”
- Randell Adjei Executive Director, RISE Arts & Community Services, RISE Edutainment
“This investment from the Ontario government is a meaningful recognition of the vital role the Conseil des organismes francophones de la région de Durham plays in strengthening the cultural and community life of our region. This funding will allow us to continue delivering programming that brings together, celebrates and empowers Durham’s Francophone community. We are grateful to the Ontario government and to MPP Lorne Coe for their continued support of arts, culture and community organizations across our region.”
- Boluwa Massina, Executive Director, Conseil des organismes francophones de la région de Durham
Quick Facts
- Ontario is investing in 435 arts organizations through the Ontario Arts Operating Fund program.
- 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 2025-26, OAC invested nearly $52 million in 208 communities across all 124 Ontario ridings, providing approximately 2,000 grants to individual artists and 1,000 grants to organizations.
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| MEDIA CONTACTS Eric Hutchins Office Manager Lorne Coe MPP Whitby Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org 905-430-1141 |