Arts fest receives provincial funds

Creemore Festival of the Arts is one of six festivals and events in Simcoe- Grey that will receive funds totalling $155,000 through the 2025 Experience Ontario program.

MPP Brian Saunderson made the announcement last Friday. The funds are intended to help organizers expand programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.

“In our riding the calendar is full of events. From cutting edge film and fashion, to foot-stomping rhythm and blues, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” said Saunderson. “Provincial funding to support these fantastic events in Clearview, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and Wasaga Beach is not only an investment in culture, but also an investment in the local economy as families from across Ontario make the trip to the South Georgian Bay region to stay, play and make plans to return.”

The Creemore Festival of the Arts, hosted by Purple Hills Arts and Heritage Society Oct. 3-5, will receive $20,000. Additional funding includes $55,000

for The Blue Mountain Film and Media Festival; $20,000 for the Collingwood Music Festival 2025: Timeless Journeys; $20,000 for Collingwood Fashion Week; $20,000 for Collingwood Pride; and $20,000 for 2025 Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues.

“Festivals and events showcase the best of Ontario, it’s people and its culture all while inviting people near and far to experience and enjoy our province. They help create local jobs, provide economic benefits and bring communities together,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and support local communities.”

In total, Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province.