Ontario Boosting Theatre Arts in Leeds and Grenville

New $264,747 investment supports economic and cultural impact of local theatre sector

Brockville — The Ontario government is investing $264,747 in Leeds and Grenville to support our tourism sector, enhance our local culture, empower artists, and help community theatre organizations thrive.

Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes announced on Monday, March 30 that the following organizations will receive funding through the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming:

• Thousand Islands Playhouse: $245,260
• St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival: $19,487

“Our government recognizes the important role that the performing arts play in fostering dynamic and thriving communities across Ontario,” said MPP Clark. “We’ve seen that impact right here in our local communities. This investment will help artists and theatre organizations continue to make a positive impact on our economy, support jobs and draw more visitors to Gananoque, Prescott, and our entire region.”

The Theatre Organizations: Operating grant program provides operating support to not-for-profit, professional theatre organizations in Ontario to help them make or present high-quality work for a wide range of audiences and participants.

“I am so grateful to the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario for this funding in support of our annual activities,” said Brett Christopher, Managing Artistic Director of the Thousand Islands Playhouse. “These funds ensure that the Playhouse can continue to create high-quality theatre at a level generally seen in larger urban areas as well as offer dozens of purpose-built programs to engage our community in the Arts.”

“We are grateful to the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario for their continued support of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. This investment helps us bring professional theatre to Prescott while keeping our programming accessible and welcoming to audiences of all ages,” said Ingrid Bjornson, General Manager of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. “It also supports local artists and contributes to the cultural and tourism life of our region, drawing visitors to the St. Lawrence River each summer. We’re proud to be part of a vibrant arts community that strengthens both our local economy and our shared sense of place.”

“Ontario’s professional theatre organizations enrich our lives, build vibrant communities and boost economic activity,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Investing in homegrown artists and organizations that foster pride, influence creativity and strengthen local economies is a key priority for the government. I am thrilled to provide the Thousand Islands Playhouse and St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival with important operating funding to help develop and stage compelling local theatre productions in Gananoque and Prescott that attract audiences near and far.”

QUICK FACTS:

• Ontario is investing in 17 arts organizations through the Theatre Organizations Operating program.
• The Ontario Arts Council (OAC), an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, provides grants to Ontario-based individual artists and arts professionals, ad hoc groups, collectives and organizations, supporting a range of arts activities and disciplines.
• In 2024-25, OAC invested $52.2 million in 204 communities across 123 Ontario ridings, providing