MAY 20, 2009

ONTARIO MODERNIZING HISTORY THROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGIES

McGuinty Government Advancing Creative Economy Through Technology Fund

 

 

NEWS

Ontario is strengthening the creative economy by helping cultural and heritage institutions harness new technology to attract visitors and make local heritage more accessible.

The Museum and Technology Fund will provide $6.5 million over four years to organizations such as community museums, art galleries and archives to take advantage of new technologies that will improve access to their collections and contribute to local economic development.

A number of community museums in Ontario currently offer online exhibitions. The new fund will provide matching investments to encourage similar programs and partnerships.

More details about the application criteria, guidelines and deadlines will be available later this summer.

QUOTES

“Ontario’s museums reflect the diverse and unique history of our province.  This new fund will help make museums centres of innovation in our new creative economy.”
- Culture Minister Aileen Carroll

“Museums across the province will be able to use technology to further their work in support of education and tourism, reaching new audiences and creating greater access to the unique collections of Ontario.”
- Ontario Museum Association Executive Director Marie Lalonde

QUICK FACTS

• According to the Ontario Museum Association, more than three million people visit Ontario’s community museums every year.
• There are more than 400 community museums in Ontario, reflecting the diversity of Ontario’s histories and cultures.
• In 2007, Ontario increased annual funding to community museums through the Community Museum Operating Grant program to $5 million: nearly double the previous investment of $2.7 million.

LEARN MORE

 

• See a list of local community museums.

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Contacts:
Sarah Petrevan, Minister’s Office, 416 325-1676
Lisa Robart, Communications Branch, (416) 212-3928