Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund
The Ontario government is working to support local economies and create good jobs by investing $440,000 in cultural tourism events in communities across the province.
Through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF), the province is supporting nine cultural tourism events, which will help arts, culture and heritage organizations create new experiences. This investment will grow cultural tourism spending by making the entire province a more attractive place to visit. Grants range from $10,000 to $150,000.
“Ontario’s creative tourism events and attractions provide visitors with unique and unforgettable experiences,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Our investment in the OCAF program will create good jobs and help keep our province open for business and open for jobs by making Ontario a more attractive place to visit.”
Cultural tourism events that receive support from the fund range from large art and music festivals to smaller events that celebrate local culture and heritage.
“On behalf of the volunteer board of the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund we are so pleased to support a broad range of festivals, events and exhibitions across Ontario,” said John McKellar, President and Chair. “OCAF, with its unique structure, is able to support cultural tourism in Ontario to ensure economic impact, job growth and community development in small and large communities across the province.”
The fund offers an impressive return on the province’s investment. The funds are provided in the form of a partially repayable loan and repayment of these funds help to support future projects. This means that repayments replenish the fund and allow OCAF to invest in even more projects.
Celebrate Ontario
Ontario is extending its support for festivals and events with over $2 million in funding to support jobs and boost local tourism across the province.
Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival today to announce a second round of funding for festivals and events through Celebrate Ontario 2019. The government is making this investment for 2019-20 in regions across the province:
- West: $545,162
- North: $80,103
- East: $757,403
- Central: $716,282
“Every dollar invested through Celebrate Ontario results in almost $21 of visitor spending,” said Minister MacLeod. “This year’s program received a strong response and we’re ensuring each budgeted dollar supports as many community festivals and events as possible.”
Support from Celebrate Ontario helps festival and event organizers enhance programming, activities and services so that festivals and events can offer new experiences, reach new audiences and support local jobs. Festivals and events help create and support jobs, grow the economy and offer Ontario residents and tourists another reason to explore our wonderful province.
