Ontario Boosting Arts and Culture in London, Ontario
July 28, 2025
New $113,715 Investment Will Support Jobs and Maximize the Impact of the Local Arts and Culture Sector
NEWS
July 28, 2025
LONDON – The Ontario government is supporting London-North-Centre through an investment of $113,715 to support good jobs, empower local artists and help community arts and culture organizations thrive.
Five local organizations will receive funding through the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. The announcement was made by Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
- Forest City Film Festival – $30,000
- Clayworx: Ceramic Arts Learning Centre – $14,765
- Forest City Gallery – $24,295
- Amabile Choirs of London, Canada – $ 21,835
- London Symphonia – $ 22,820
“Our government understands the important role that the arts play in fostering dynamic and thriving communities across Ontario,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. “This support will help London-North-Centre’s artists and arts organizations continue to make a positive impact on our economy, create good jobs and draw more visitors to our community.”
The Operating programs for music, media arts, and visual arts/artist-run organizations provides operating support to not-for-profit, professional organizations in Ontario to help them make or present high-quality work for a wide range of audiences and participants. In London, this funding will enable Forest City Film Festival, Clayworx: Ceramic Arts Learning Centre, Forest City Gallery, Amabile Choirs of London, Canada, and London Symphonia to expand their educational workshops and programs, as well as concerts, exhibitions, and events to keep London’s arts scene vibrant.
The operational funding is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting workers, businesses, communities and jobs in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty, while creating a solid foundation for a strong, resilient and competitive future.
“Ontario’s arts and culture organizations enrich our lives and boost economic activity,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is crucial we invest in made-in-Ontario experiences that build stronger communities, strengthen local economies and celebrate our shared heritage. Our government is thrilled to provide these organizations with the funding it requires to continue its great work in London, complementing the creative endeavours of other arts organizations across the province.”
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing in 75 arts organizations through the Music Organizations: Operating program.
- The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. It 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 2024-25, OAC invested $52.2 million in 204 communities across 123 Ontario ridings, providing 1,969 grants to individual artists and 1,030 grants to organizations.
CONTACT
Email: steve.pinsonneault@pc.ola.org
Strathroy Office: 519-245-8696
Wallaceburg Office: 519-627-1015