MEDIA RELEASE April 29, 2024
$10, 500 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Gives Community a Lift
Toronto, ON – On Monday, April 29, 204 Davenport MPP Marit Stiles shared a video message at Dance Ontario’s online celebration of International Dance Day as part of an inter-generational dance party. The Capitol Grant that Dance Ontario received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation supported the purchase of equipment to support the digital aspects of their programming. This new equipment allowed Dance Ontario to support artists, audiences, and volunteers and increased access to their programs with over 1700 people participating in DanceWeekend events and over 2000 attendees at the International Dance Day party.
Over the pandemic, the needs of Dance Ontario’s community changed and the demand for digital options increased. The OTF Capitol Grant allowed Dance Ontario to purchase equipment including laptops, iPads, digital payment terminals, headphones and portable printers to meet these needs, and support their flagship event, DanceWeekend, a three-day dance festival now in its 30th year that showcases a diversity of dance with over 300 artists performing in both in-person and online events.
“Dance Ontario’s vision is to develop a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and sustainable dance community reflecting all Ontarians. To support this vision, we need to stay up to date with current technology to allow broad access to our programs, festivals and events and to high quality dance and arts experiences across the province. Capitol support from OTF is vital to allow non-profits like ours to thrive in our changing world.”
Amy Hampton, Executive Director, Dance Ontario
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
As Ontario’s premier umbrella dance organization, Dance Ontario offers a full spectrum of support, education, advocacy, programming, communications and networking opportunities for all dancers and dance enthusiasts. From prominent, elite dancers and working professionals to the dance-interested, novices, and the community at large, Dance Ontario supports and uplifts dance in the province. www.danceontario.ca
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
-30-
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Amy Hampton, Executive Director
Dance Ontario
647 890 3623