Investing in Arts and Culture in Ontario

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 30, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Toronto Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced that two Toronto dance organizations are getting a boost with a total of $2,160,000 in funding from the Government of Canada.

The Dancer Transition Resource Centre will receive $1.2 million over two fiscal years. The Centre, founded in 1985, operates primarily in Toronto and reaches dance artists across the country through satellite offices in Montréal and Vancouver. The Centre is dedicated to helping dancers make necessary transitions into, within, and from professional performing careers. It also serves as a resource centre for the dance community and general public, and supports activities that improve the socio-economic conditions of artists across the country.

The School of Toronto Dance Theatre will benefit from $960,000 in funding over three fiscal years. The School was established in 1968 by the founders of Toronto Dance Theatre. It provides contemporary dance training and prepares young dance artists for careers as performers, creators and teachers. The School also provides training and education in creative movement and contemporary dance to people of all ages.

The Government of Canada is providing this funding through the Canada Arts Training Fund (CATF), which contributes to the development of Canadian creators and future cultural leaders by supporting the training of artists with high potential through organizations that offer training of the highest calibre.

Quick Facts

• The Canada Arts Training Fund supports more than 35 training institutions that prepare Canadian artists for professional national and international artistic careers.
• In 2016-17, the CATF will award more than $22 million in funding.

Quotes

"Cultural institutions play an essential role in Canadian society: they bring us together, expand our horizons and allow us to participate actively in our communities. That is why it is essential to reinvest in our culture and our creators."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The Government of Canada is committed to contributing to our cultural and creative industries. Cultural investment grows local economies, creates jobs for the middle class and stimulates tourism, as well as improving quality of life and sense of community."

-The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Toronto Centre)

"We are extremely grateful for the Government of Canada's commitment to the training and development of artists in this country. With this support, the Dancer Transition Resource Centre will continue to ensure that dancers across Canada have the knowledge, skills and emotional support required to reach their potential throughout their dance career and beyond."

-Amanda Hancox, Executive Director, Dancer Transition Resource Centre

"On behalf of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, I would like to thank the Government of Canada for their continued commitment to the School and our students. This funding allows us to remain at the forefront of contemporary dance training in Canada and will directly benefit these talented emerging dance artists."

-Gail Packwood, Managing Director, The School of Toronto Dance Theatre

Associated Links

Canada Arts Training Fund

The Dancer Transition Resource Centre

The School of Toronto Dance Theatre

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