Stratford cultural organizations to receive nearly $190,000 in provincial support

Three Stratford cultural organizations will share nearly $190,000 in provincial funding through the Experience Ontario program, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae announced Tuesday.

The lion’s share of the funding – $125,000 – will go to the Stratford Festival to support its ongoing pandemic recovery efforts.

“These funds are instrumental in the production of our 2023 season, which is a vital attractor for the tourism sector in Stratford and Southwestern Ontario,” Stratford Festival executive director Anita Gaffney said in a press release.

Stratford Summer Music and the Here for Now Theater company will also receive more than $32,000 and $31,500 respectively through the program.

“Stratford Summer Music is thrilled to be a driver of tourism and a creator of culture in the Stratford area, and delighted to receive the Experience Ontario funding for World in a Weekend,” said Stratford Summer Music general manager Kendra Fry, referring to the recent international music and puppetry festival in Stratford. “Thanks to the Government of Ontario for joining us in creating joy at World in a Weekend.”

Fiona Mongillo, artistic director of Here for Now Theatre, described the Experience Ontario funding as “essential to the success” of the new “up-and-coming theater company.”

“The summer of 2023 marks our fourth year in operation. We are incredibly grateful for the Experience Ontario grant, as it has enabled us to operate on this scale,” Mongillo said in the release.

Experience Ontario is a provincial grant program that supports festivals and events that motivate visitors to rediscover Ontario while connecting people with local experiences and increasing visitor spending. The 2023 program is providing $19.5 million in support to more than 280 festivals and events across the province.

“The tourism industry is an integral part of our community here in Perth-Wellington and across Ontario,” Rae said in the press release. “It is wonderful to see our government continues to recognize the industry’s importance via funding such as this.”