MPP Rae Announces Funding for Local Festivals and Events
[Perth-Wellington] – Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington, announced over $188,000 in funding for local festivals and events through the Experience Ontario program. This funding will allow recipient organizations to expand their programming, attract visitors and increase economic activity in the area.
“The tourism industry is an integral part of our community here in Perth-Wellington and across Ontario,” Rae said. “It is wonderful to see our government continues to recognize the industries’ importance via funding such as this.”
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 over 280 festivals and events across the province.
“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 Kendra Fry, Executive Director for Stratford Summer Music. “Thanks to the government of Ontario for joining us in creating joy at World in a Weekend!”
“The Experience Ontario funding has been essential to the success of our up-and-coming theatre company,” said Fiona Mongillo, Artistic Director of the Here for Now Theatre in Stratford. “The summer of 2023 marks our 4th year in operation. We are incredibly grateful for the Experience Ontario grant, as it has enabled us to operate on this scale.”
“We are extremely grateful to the province for continuing to support our pandemic recovery through this grant from Experience Ontario,” said Anita Gaffney, Executive Director of the Stratford Festival. “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.”
“Our government understands the importance of tourism and culture to Ontario’s economic success. These sectors bring our communities to life,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Our government’s support for festivals and events through the Experience Ontario program demonstrates that we are supporting organizations across the province that are creating new and innovative opportunities to bring Ontarians together.”
Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario, supporting approximately 395,000 jobs and generating over $38 billion in spending.
Local funding as provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports:
| Experience Ontario Recipient | Funding Amount |
| Stratford Summer Music | $ 32,209 |
| Here for Now Theatre of Stratford | $ 31,680 |
| Stratford Festival | $ 125,000 |
| Total | $ 188,889 |