$175,000 to Support Arts and Culture in Nipissing
August 26, 2026NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $175,000 through the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) to support multiple arts and culture organizations in Nipissing. This funding is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting workers, businesses, and communities in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
“Our government understands the important role that the arts play in enriching the lives of people in communities across Ontario “said MPP Vic Fedeli. “This support will ensure our local arts and culture organizations can continue to make a positive impact on our economy, create good jobs, and draw in more visitors to Nipissing.”
Local funding includes:
- $71,539 for the Aanmitaagzi to continue serving artists and community members from Nipissing First Nation and the surrounding area. They fuse art-making with education, professional development, and social activism to nurture traditional practices, while also carrying them forward within a contemporary context.
- $27,297 for the Near North Mobile Media Lab to support the creation and presentation of media arts in the near north region by operating a mobile production facility that travels to serve artists and organizations in other communities. While also running creator spaces for youth and emerging artists in six communities across northern Ontario.
- $23,000 for Creative Industries North Bay Inc. to continue connecting, supporting, and promoting the creative sector of North Bay and Nipissing. They work alongside local organizations in other sectors and offer a micro-grant program.
- $20,000 for Les Compagnons des francs loisirs to continue supporting, enriching, and promoting French life within North Bay and its surrounding areas.
- $17,000 for the White Water Gallery to raise awareness of and increase access to contemporary art that breaks new ground. Its activities include exhibitions, performances, off-site events, and arts education in partnership with local community groups and schools.
- $16,000 to the North Bay Symphony Orchestra for them to present their 2026-27 musical season, comprised of four Main Series performances, two Chamber Series events, and one choral concert.
“We are very pleased by the Province of Ontario’s valuable and ongoing support for Les Compagnons des francs loisirs. This operational funding through the Ontario Arts Council represents an important investment in the strength and sustainability of our organization. It provides the stability we need to build our capacity, expand our services and support the development of local professional artists.” – Yaye Peukassa, Executive Director of Les Compagnons des Francs Loisirs.
“We are thrilled to receive this increased support from the Ontario government. It will help us create more opportunities for Northern Ontario artists, filmmakers, youth and community members to develop their skills, share their work and connect with one another. We are grateful to the Ontario Arts Council and MPP Vic Fedeli for recognizing the importance of media and digital arts in our region.” – Sharon Switzer, Executive Director of the Near North Mobile Media Lab.
These multi-media arts operating programs provide support to not-for-profit, professional dance, visual arts artist-run centres, media arts, musical, and multi and inter arts organizations in Ontario to help them make or present high-quality work for a wide range of audiences and participants. This support will enable the local arts organizations in the community to continue to foster the creation and production of art to benefit Nipissing.
This operational funding is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting workers, businesses, communities, and jobs in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty, while creating a solid foundation for a strong, resilient, and competitive future.
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