The government of Canada has announced a combined investment of over $1.4 million, delivered by FedDev Ontario, for five arts and culture projects. The initiative aims to position the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as an arts and culture destination in Canada.
“Arts events and spaces are important to the economy and vibrancy of the communities in the Downtown Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, as they draw visitors to the region and provide positive ripple economic benefits to local businesses. Today’s FedDev Ontario investment will help to enhance existing spaces and events that will draw visitors and artists, boosting jobs and revenue in the region,” says Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport.
According to a statement released by the government, this Tourism Relief Fund investment will see recipients produce creative and cultural events, showcase the works of local artists, and attract tourists and artists back to the GTA.
The announcement was made at an event hosted by the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, which received a non-repayable contribution of $140,000 to create an installation of a series of 22 outdoor public art projects and develop a website to feature the artistic works online.
“The Tourism Relief Fund was instrumental in providing the resources the Toronto Biennial of Art needed to provide 72 days of free art to visitors from across the city, province, country and the world. We are so grateful to FedDev Ontario for providing critical funding to host the largest in-person arts event Toronto has seen in over two years,” says Patrizia Libralato, Executive Director, Toronto Biennial of Art.
