July 17, 2008

A BOOST FOR HAMILTON'S ART COMMUNITY
McGuinty Government Supporting Local Arts Organizations

NEWS

At-risk high school students in Hamilton will benefit from an arts apprenticeship program offered by Culture for Kids in the Arts, one of three arts organizations in the city to get a funding boost from Ontario.

The Government of Ontario is investing $30,000 in CONNECT with the Arts, which exposes secondary school students at risk of not graduating to skilled trades within the arts and entertainment businesses.

The government is also providing $56,000 through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund to the Art Gallery of Hamilton to attract new audiences to see the Inspiration East exhibition this summer. Inspiration East is a celebration of Asian arts and culture which runs until the fall.

Arts Hamilton is also receiving funding for its ARTwalk project. The government is investing $10,000 in ARTwalk, a permanent urban art trail which will connect arts and cultural activity centres in Hamilton’s downtown core.

QUOTES

“Hamilton has a vibrant and eclectic arts community that is helping transform the city’s landscape and quality of life through innovative partnerships and programs,” said Culture Minister Aileen Carroll. “Ontario is proud to support arts and culture initiatives that build stronger communities, help students achieve success and provide a boost to our economy.”

“Ontario’s investments in Hamilton’s growing arts sector benefit everyone by raising the profile of our artists and arts organizations and highlighting the positive impact they have on our community,” said Hamilton Mountain MPP Sophia Aggelonitis.

“The investment from the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund has allowed us to draw new audiences to the Art Gallery of Hamilton during our celebration of Asian arts and culture,” says Art Gallery of Hamilton President and CEO Louise Dompierre.  “We’re delighted to attract visitors to Hamilton and, in many cases, art galleries, for the very first time.”  

"Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture, 315 new elementary and secondary students will have the opportunity to experience the arts as a vehicle to learn and grow," said Culture for Kids in the Arts founder and programming director Vitek Wincza.

“The King William Artwalk is an animated pedestrian environment that will encourage increased exposure to a variety of artistic and cultural experiences through celebrations and events," said Arts Hamilton Executive Director Paul de Courcy.  "Thanks to the Ontario government for helping bring the King William Artwalk to life."

 

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario’s culture sector generates almost $20 billion of the province’s Gross Domestic Product.
• To help develop and promote arts organizations and artists across Ontario, the government is increasing the Ontario Arts Council’s annual budget to almost $60 million by 2009/10. This is an increase of almost 140 per cent since 2003.
• The Ontario Arts Council has invested more than $4 million since 2003 in Hamilton’s art sector.

 

 

 LEARN MORE

• Find out more about the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s Inspiration East exhibition.
• Read about Culture for Kids in the Arts programs.
• Learn more about Arts Hamilton.
• Learn more about how Ontario supports art and culture in communities across the province.

 

- 30 -

Contacts:

Gerry Hawes, Minister’s Office, 416 325-1758 Lisa Robart, Communications Branch, 416 212-3928

ontario.ca/culture Disponible en français