Creative Trust has been outspoken about the challenges and lack of adequate funding for Toronto performing arts companies trying to renovate or repair their often heritage venues. It’s time to say a loud thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Community Capital Fund for their recent generous support of a number of our companies’ projects.
We’re delighted to say that Facilities Roundtable members Cahoots Theatre Projects, Factory Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto Dance Theatre/STDT, and The Theatre Centre all received funding that will be invaluable in moving their capital projects forward. COBA and Native Earth Performing Arts also benefit through the program’s significant support of the new Artscape Regent Park Cultural Centre, where they will soon be resident.
The Community Capital Fund is a $50 million one-time capital funding program – oh, if it could only be extended! – supporting local infrastructure projects in Ontario that serve diverse cultural communities. We’re delighted to note that the above companies’ commitment to culturally diverse artists, programming, and audience development was also acknowledged and rewarded through the CCF.
Alan Brown, in his October presentation for the Ontario Arts Council on the findings of the Ontario Arts Engagement Study , emphasized once again the importance of arts spaces as inviting social hubs, bringing people together to see and participate in art-making and creative expression. Roomy and attractive lobbies; adequate and accessible washrooms; multi-purpose studios and gathering places? Sounds like a great and necessary place to start.
