Kawartha Lakes allocates funding for arts, culture and heritage recovery

Council recently approved $100,000 for the Arts, Culture and Heritage Recovery Fund. This funding will serve as a one-time recovery support payment to help cover the burden of fixed operating costs of cultural services during COVID-19.

Kawartha Lakes recognizes there are a variety of local volunteer based not-for-profit organizations that contribute to the community’s economy and quality of life that are in need right now, including art galleries, museums and live theatre.

“These organizations play an important role in our community,” said Donna Goodwin, economic development officer – Arts and Culture, Kawartha Lakes. “Kawartha Lakes simply would not be the same without them. The arts and culture sector has been one of the hardest hit by the shut down, thus Council’s support through this funding should provide some much needed relief.”

The Fund framework is modeled after other types of emergency support funding programs launched in 2020. Funding will be available on a sliding scale of assistance based on 2020 fixed operating costs.

Applications will be reviewed by an internal review committee to determine eligibility against program criteria and a list of successful applicants will be presented to Council. If there is a higher demand than available funds, recommendations for the use of funds will also be made to Council for decision.

This funding aligns with the recommendations of the Economic Recovery Task Force and will also complement the Community Pandemic Recovery Fund (CPRF), to help non-profit and community service providers continue to meet the needs of those they serve.

For more details about the funding and to apply, click here. The application deadline is March 12.