Celebrating Arts and Culture in Greater Sudbury

In 2023, 32 organizations benefited from the Greater Sudbury Arts and Culture Program, creating a positive economic impact in our community.   

The City of Greater Sudbury, through the 2023 Greater Sudbury Arts and Culture Grant Program, awarded $559,288 in support of the artistic, cultural and creative expression of local residents and groups. Recipient organizations reported leveraging $9.41 in other funding for every dollar from the City, hosting over 1,200 public activities for more than 126,254 participants.

“Our community continues to be recognized nationally as a northern hub for arts and cultural excellence. I am proud to see new, unique projects take shape thanks to supports like the Arts and Culture Grant Program,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “A lively arts and culture sector is a powerful economic driver in our community, that boosts both local pride and visitors to our city. These investments enrich the lives of residents, while retaining local talent.”

Established in 2005, the City of Greater Sudbury’s Arts and Culture Grant Program stimulates the growth and development of this important sector, increases its potential to attract and retain a talented and creative workforce, and is an investment in the quality of life for all residents. The program is administered by the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC), which has approved nearly $7.4 million in funding for over 120 local arts and culture organizations since 2007.

“The Arts and Culture grants provide an opportunity to showcase our city’s rich diversity, culture and heritage,” said GSDC Board Chair Jeff Portelance. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank our grant jury volunteers for their commitment to supporting community vibrancy in our city.”

2024 Arts and Culture Grant Program Applications

Applications for the 2024 Arts and Culture Grant Program are now open for the Operating stream. New this year, the Project stream will be accepting applications in two separate intake rounds, with deadlines to be announced shortly. The application process for Project and Operating grants is open to all who qualify. Some guidelines and application deadlines have changed for 2024, so please visit the website for full details.

Allocation of funding is dependent on the final passage of the 2024-2025 municipal budget.

Grant Juries

The Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) is seeking local citizens to sit on two volunteer juries to assess Arts and Culture Grant Program applications. To apply, email culture@greatersudbury.ca with your reasons for wishing to serve on the jury, your résumé, and a list of all direct affiliations with local arts and culture initiatives.

Cultural Forum

In collaboration with funding partners, funding recipients, volunteers, donors, administrators and local event organizers, a Cultural Forum was held on November 22, 2023, to reflect on the Greater Sudbury Cultural Plan. The insight and feedback from the Forum and other engagement sessions will help to plan for the future of arts and culture in Greater Sudbury.

To learn more about the Arts and Culture Grant Program, jury applications, and the Greater Sudbury Cultural Plan, visit www.investsudbury.ca/artsandculture.

About the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation:

The GSDC is the economic development arm of the City of Greater Sudbury, consisting of an 18-member volunteer board of directors, including City Councillors and the Mayor, and supported by City staff. 

The GSDC acts as a catalyst for economic development initiatives and supports the attraction, development and retention of business in the community. Board members represent various private and public sectors, including mining supply and services, small and medium-sized enterprises, hospitality and tourism, finance and insurance, professional services, retail trade, and public administration.