Federal funding plays a major role in supporting Windsor’s artists and organizations

Numerous arts organizations in Windsor receiving funding from a federal grant, which was cut almost in half in 2018.

In 2016 the Government of Canada doubled the Canada Council for the Arts’ (CCA) budget, giving them $550 million over five years.

In 2018 their budget was cut by 41 per cent to $225 million. According to their website, 94 per cent of Canadians believe the arts make their communities a better place to live.

According to the CCA, 2,039 arts organizations received funding in 2018 and 2019.

Locally, the Arts Council Windsor & Region, like the council for the arts, helps artists and groups with education, art, support and bring communities together.

Julie Tucker, director of public programs and advocacy said their focus is to promote and develop creativity in Windsor.

“We provide an artistic gallery which is an affordable rental space, we have professional development workshops, we host meetings, we have great consultation, a library and we have the only comprehensive list of arts and culture listings in the region,” said Tucker.

One of the many organizations that the CCA provides funding to is the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, which provides music programs for adults and children. Last year, monies raised by the WSO, along with CCA funding, provided for 19 main-stage concerts, 29 concerts around Essex county, 28 concerts for high schools, 10 concerts for young children, seven free summer concerts in parks around Essex county, 18 visits to senior residents, two workshops with high schools and one school residency program in just one season.