City's Grant Program Celebrates Arts and Culture in Greater Sudbury

Thanks to the City of Greater Sudbury’s 2022 Arts and Culture Grant Program, 32 local organizations benefited from $559,288 in funding to support the artistic, cultural and creative expression of local residents and groups.

“As Mayor, fostering arts and culture in our community is so important to me – not only as a vital economic driver, but as a way of inspiring a more vibrant community,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “Greater Sudbury is widely recognized as a centre of creativity, and I’m proud that this program helps support innovative and powerful artistic projects that will continue to benefit us for years to come.”

Established in 2005, the Arts and Culture Grant Program aims to stimulate the growth and development of this important sector and increase its potential to attract and retain a talented and creative workforce. Funding under the program is administered annually by the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC), with Council approval.

Since its inception, the program has provided nearly $7.4 million in funding for over 100 local arts and culture organizations. This investment has led to the employment of more than 200 artists, the hosting of dozens of festivals and an estimated overall return of $7.85 for every $1 spent.

“Arts and culture grants support many organizations and events that continue to showcase our community’s rich diversity, culture and heritage,” said GSDC Board Chair Jeff Portelance. “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank our volunteer grant juries for their commitment and diligence in supporting key investment in our community, and congratulate our 2022 program recipients on the positive creative impact they are making.”

Applications for the 2023 Arts and Culture Grant program open on December 8, 2022. The submission deadline is 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023. The new Canadian Arts Data (CADAC) will be used for grant applications and reporting. Allocation of funding is dependent on the final approval of the 2023 municipal budget.

Staff are also seeking local residents to sit on the two volunteer juries to assess 2023 applications. To apply, please submit your résumé, a letter outlining why you wish to serve on a jury and a list of your direct affiliations with local arts and culture initiatives to culture@greatersudbury.ca by 4 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023.

For more information about the program, including guidelines, application forms and jury information, visit investsudbury.ca/incentives-and-programs/grants-and-incentives.

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, 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.