New investment will support jobs and amplify the impact of the local music sector
NEWS – April 10, 2026
Collingwood, ON – The Ontario government is investing $11,640 in Collingwood to support good jobs, empower local musicians and help community music organizations thrive.
The Collingwood Music Festival will receive $11,640 through the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. The announcement was made by Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey.
“Our government understands the important role performing arts play in fostering dynamic and thriving communities across Ontario,” said MPP Saunderson. “This support will help Collingwood’s musicians and music organizations continue to make a positive impact on our economy, create good jobs and draw more visitors to our community.”
The Music Organizations: Operating program provides operating support to not-for-profit, professional music organizations in Ontario to help them make or present high-quality work for a wide range of audiences and participants. Organizations that can apply for funding through this program include music festivals and series, orchestras, choral organizations and opera companies. The music sector has three project programs in addition to this one operating program. In Collingwood, this funding will enable the Collingwood Music Festival to present their annual summer festival featuring classical music, as well as cross-cultural and cross-genre collaborations with diverse artists. It also help enable educational activities and outreach concerts in local schools.
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 music organizations enrich our lives, build vibrant communities and help boost economic activity,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Investing in homegrown artists and organizations that foster pride, influence creativity and strengthen local economies is a key priority for the government. I am thrilled to support the Collingwood Music Festival with ongoing funding to empower talented musicians in Collingwood and develop exceptional programs, events and festivals.”
Quick Facts
- Ontario is investing in 38 arts organizations through the Music Organizations: Operating 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.