Some of Guelph’s favourite local festivals will be receiving a supportive boost in funding from the federal government.
On Thursday, Guelph Liberal MP Lloyd Longfield announced a $164,700 contribution for local festivals.
From this, The Hillside Community Festival of Guelph will receive $80,000, while The Guelph Jazz Festival will be granted $28,400, and the Guelph District Multicultural Festival will get $11,300.
The City of Guelph was also given $45,000 in support for their events, like Live from the River Run performances, and the Guelph Gathers festivals.
“Thank you to everyone working so hard in the arts and cultural sector for continuing to look for creative, engaging and innovative ways to deliver programs to Guelph, and now the much broader community,” says Longfield in a news release.
“I am delighted to announce this funding to support their critical work of providing artists a venue to perform, instruct, and give audiences a reason to celebrate during these very difficult times.”
Throughout the pandemic, cultural organizations faced financial challenges due to program adjustments or cancelling events altogether. Besides being celebrations of culture, the release mentions festivals can be big economic drivers for communities across Canada.
“One of the things we have missed most during the pandemic is live performances, and their unique power to inspire and connect us,” says Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie in the release. “With this funding, we are glad to be able to encourage people to rediscover their love of the performing arts while safely reconnecting with each other through online and outdoor programming.”
The funding comes through the Canadian Arts Presentation Funds and the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Fund.
In the release, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, says the federal government understands the reality and challenges facing festivals since the onset of the pandemic.
“Our investments reflect our commitment to supporting festivals and celebrations that showcase our communities, diversity and talented Canadian artists. We hope Guelph residents can attend festivals again in the near future.”
