Ontario Boosting the Music Industry in London

February 18, 2026

New $23,027 investment will support jobs and amplify the impact of the local music sector.

NEWS

LONDON – The Ontario government is investing $23,027 to protect good creative jobs and help empower local artists in London produce and present their work. 

Home County Music and Art Festival will receive $15,827, and London Jazz Association will receive $7,200 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.

“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 funding will help London’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 Music Production and Presentation Projects program supports the development and presentation (both live and virtual) of all genres of music by Ontario-based professional musicians, groups and organizations. Supported activities include rehearsal and repertoire development, single performances/concerts, concert series, music festivals and opera productions. In London, this funding will enable Home County Music and Art Festival to deliver the festival of Canadian folk music presented live each summer in London’s Victoria Park. This funding will also enable London Jazz Association to deliver the London Jazz Festival – a month-long celebration of local jazz with venues throughout the city from large concert halls to historic downtown bars.

The 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 professional musicians and music organizations play a vital role in enriching our lives, enlivening our communities and driving economic growth,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Protecting and investing in homegrown musicians who foster pride, influence creativity and strengthen local economies is a key priority for the government. I am thrilled to support Home County Music and Art Festival and London Jazz Association with funding to help develop, empower and promote talented musicians across the province.”

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario is investing in 22 arts organizations and nine individual artists through the Music Production and Presentation Projects program.
• The Ontario Arts Council (OAC), an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, 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.

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