SUDBURY - The province is providing funding for festivals and events in Sudbury with a goal of attracting tourists, stimulating the economy and creating jobs.
Through the Celebrate Ontario 2016 program, the government is providing funding to eight local festivals “that showcase Ontario’s culture, heritage and diversity, while also enhancing visitor experiences and increasing attendance,” the province said in a news release Wednesday.
Local festivals receiving support include:
- Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival- $84,250
- Laugh Out Loud Sudbury Comedy Festival- $80,500
- Up Here (formerly Up Fest)- $45,000
- Jazz Sudbury Festival- $41,863
- Songs of Summer Music Festival- $10,564
- Le Salon du livre du Grand Sudbury- $9,850
- Budweiser New Music Fest Sudbury- $8,000
- Northern Lights Festival- $1,940
“With the success of our inaugural edition last summer, Up Here is well on its way to becoming one of Canada’s premiere artistic events,” Christian Pelletier, executive director of the Up Here Urban Art and Music Festival, is quoted as saying in the release. “The Government of Ontario’s continued support goes a long way in helping us grow our unique festival experience and become one of the largest indie art festivals north of Toronto.”
“The Celebrate Ontario program puts the spotlight on Sudbury, drawing visitors to the community as well as giving local residents an opportunity to experience and discover our unique region in new and exciting ways,” Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault is quoted as saying in the news release.
“Through our government’s support, we are helping local festivals and events continue to grow, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.”
In total, Ontario is investing $15.3 million in 2016 through Celebrate Ontario to support 200 festivals and events. Tourism in Ontario generates more than $28 billion in economic activity and supports more than 359,000 direct and indirect jobs in Ontario.
“Ontario is home to many unique and diverse festivals and events that showcase our province and attract visitors from all over the world,” Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, says in the release. “I’m proud that through Celebrate Ontario, our government continues to support this vibrant sector.”
