Press Release - RECONNECT ONTARIO 2022 Grant Awarded to Theatre Orangeville

Theatre Orangeville's inaugural Summer Arts Festival was generously supported by the Government of Ontario's RECONNECT ONTARIO 2022 grant - in support of local artists

This past August 2022, Theatre Orangeville was awarded a grant through the Reconnect Ontario 2022 program, delivered by Ontario's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The grant of $36,558 was used to support Theatre Orangeville host an inaugural Summer Arts Festival, showcasing local artists and promoting tourism in our community.

The Reconnect Ontario 2022 program supports festivals and events sector who were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic with a tourism economic impact to motivate visitors to rediscover Ontario, reconnect people with local experiences, and generate positive economic impact for local communities across the province.

"The support from the reconnect festivals and event program has allowed organizations and businesses to recover and relaunch events and activities that we have all missed during the pandemic" Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones.

Theatre Orangeville's inaugural Summer Arts Festival was unlike anything we have ever done before! Over the course of 5 days in August, we joyously welcomed patrons to immerse themselves in an extraordinary experience full of exceptional content - including the best of Fringe, comedy, local musicians, drag shows; kid-focused entertainment and local visual artists.

The Reconnect Ontario 2022 Fund enabled Theatre Orangeville to expand its vision and methods of delivering performing arts to our community.

The fund enabled us to support performing artists, all from Ontario, many who had been without work since March 2020, by providing them support to cover their expenses and a venue for them to share their talent with a live audience. These productions were the first time they had stepped on a stage in over 580 days - for all involved the longest in their careers.

"The Reconnect grant was critical in enabling the success of our first ever Summer Arts Festival, ensuring we were able to employ over 30 performing artists and provide sensational, financially accessible and diverse performances to the community!" Sharyn Ayliffe, General Manager for Theatre Orangeville.

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Download the press release here:

https://bit.ly/ReconnectOntario2022

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