$98,900 OTF Grant Gives Art Centre Much Needed Tools and Equipment!

(l-r): Alan Mcintosh, GB Arts, MPP Rick Byers, Morag Budgeon, GB Arts

June 24, 2023                                                                               

OWEN SOUND – On Saturday June 24, local MPP Rick Byers met with the team at the Georgian Bay School of the Arts (GB Arts) to hear more about the $98,900 Resilient Communities Fund grantfrom the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to upgrade the tools and equipment that had been donated and purchased second hand in their pottery, printmaking, jewelry, glass, and textile studios. The grant was awarded in late 2022 and the project will be completed at the end of August and will give creative people in the community improved art and craft equipment for learning new skills in the arts for years to come.

“It was my pleasure to participate in the GB Arts Ontario Trillium Foundation celebration on Saturday. GB Arts is very important in supporting the Arts in our wonderful community!” said MPP Rick Byers.

“We are so grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support, the impact of this grant is huge.” said Morag Budgeon, Executive Director of GB Arts. “So many artists visit or relocate to this area and are inspired by the beauty of the escarpment region with its scenic vistas, beaches, waterfalls and rolling farmland. GB Arts wants to support and grow that artistic community in children, youth, adults, and seniors with a place to learn and explore arts and crafts. Our instructors are thrilled to have things like new pottery wheels, jewelry benches, e- pinners, glass grinders, and tools that are not dull, dented, and rusty!”

GB Arts is committed to ensuring the longevity of the thriving arts scene in Bruce Grey, Simcoe counties. All upcoming classes and special events are listed on the website www.gbarts.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.