Press Release Experience Ontario program supports 2023 Summer Arts Fest

We are thrilled to be able to share that we were recently awarded funding through the 2023 Experience Ontario program that went directly towards supporting our 2nd annual Summer Arts Fest, held in August from the 11th through 13th at Mount Alverno Luxury Resorts.

Our summertime celebration of all things arts, music and culture returned and once again showcased our teams' ability to bring together artists to entertain Dufferin County and celebrate the arts during this festival extravaganza.

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones recently shared a press release about the Expereince Ontario program and it's support of our Summer Arts Fest:

PRESS RELEASE

Dufferin-Caledon - Ontario is investing $19.5 million to support festival and event organizers with carrying out innovative, in-person experience that connect people with their communities and increase tourism spending. Experience Ontario 2023 program funding will support events in Dufferin-Caledon and enable recipient organizations to expand programming to draw visitors who will stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers, and support local businesses.

"Our government understands the importance of tourism and culture to Ontario's economic success. These sectors bring our communities to life," said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "Our government's support for festivals and events through the Experience Ontario program demonstrates that we are supporting organizations across the province that are creating new and innovative opportunities to bring Ontarians together."

Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon, announced that the Theatre Orangeville Summer Arts Fest is receiving $31,193 funding support.

Experience Ontario is a provincial grant program that supports festivals and events that motivate visitors to rediscover Ontario, while connecting people with local experiences and increasing visitor spending. The 2023 program is providing $19.5 million in support to over 280 festivals and events across the province.

"The festival and event industry plays a vital role in strengthening local economies in communities throughout the province," said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. "I am pleased that we are supporting event organizers right here at home who are creating innovative experiences that help people engage with their communities while creating jobs and boosting the local economy."

"We were so grateful to receive the Experience Ontario 2023 grant, which allowed us once again to engage and host a myriad of local and visiting artists. With these talented Theatre creators, we successfully delivered a brilliant selection of diverse, inclusive, thought provoking and financially accessible live performances that touched the hearts and sparked the imaginations of patrons of all ages." said Sharyn Ayliffe, General Manager for Theatre Orangeville.

QUICK FACTS

• Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario, supporting approximately 395,000 jobs and generating over $38 billion in spending.

MEDIA CONTACT for Sylvia Jones

Heather Gregoire, EA for Sylvia Jones

MPP Dufferin-Caledon

heather.gregoire@pc.ola.org

MEDIA CONTACT for Theatre Orangeville

Amanda Doerrie, Marketing Strategist & Content Creator

adoerrie@theatreorangeville.ca