Increased Spend

Over the past decade the City has increased its spend on arts and cultural grants – rising by 73% between 2012 and 2018. In the post-pandemic period it is again rethinking its grants structures, to support artists from demographics less represented in the sector.

Equity and Inclusion

The City continues to work to advance equity and inclusion in the cultural sector. Grant funding remains concentrated downtown, with a need for more equitable distribution to benefit emerging artists and organisations outside the city’s core. The City is also working to ensure that all residents have access to cultural programming and opportunities in areas across Toronto.

Creative Spaces

Access to space remains one of the top issues facing Toronto’s cultural sector. Artists and cultural organisations are at risk of displacement due to development pressures and rising property costs. The City has recently launched a new Office for Creative Space to implement programs and policies to preserve existing cultural spaces, and develop new ones.

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