Mayor John Tory kicked off the City of Toronto’s annual Youth Week festivities with the announcement of new funding for the development of the next generation of creative talent in Toronto. Recognizing the critical role that youth cultural organizations play in the city, the new Youth Cultural Incubators Stabilization Initiative will provide capacity-building funding and support annually for three years to six leading youth cultural organizations.
R.I.S.E. Edutainment, the Remix Project, Manifesto Community Projects Inc., Unity Charity, the Nia Centre for the Arts and HXOUSE will be supported through funding of $300,000 a year for the next three years.
The cultural incubators provided by these organizations give youth access to experienced mentors in intellectually stimulating settings and provide youth the opportunity to receive guidance on how to develop their creative talents and reach their full potential.
Through this initiative, the City recognizes the strength and the potential of youth-serving arts organizations and their numerous achievements, such as playing a key role in the incubation and development of new creative talent from across Toronto.
This initiative supports three of the recommended actions identified in the City’s 2018-2022 Economic Development and Culture Divisional Strategy, namely inclusion and equity, talent and innovation, and affordable space and access.
The City’s annual Youth Week runs from May 1 to 7 and features a series of events intended to celebrate and showcase the talents of youth, from diverse communities across Toronto, in the areas of civic engagement, arts, recreation and sports. More information about Youth Week and a full list of events is available at http://www.toronto.ca/youthweek.
Quotes:
“It is due to the strength, creativity and resilience of Toronto’s young artists that this city enjoys such an enviable reputation as a global cultural hotspot. Yet, despite their strong track records of success, each of these organizations has at points struggled for consistent stable funding. I am proud that the City can support their good work and help drive their future growth.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Youth cultural incubators are vital to ensuring the next generation of Toronto’s artists are supported in achieving their goals. The City’s new three-year funding commitment makes this important work possible.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Councillor for Ward 21 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City’s Economic and Community Development Committee
“Youth Week provides an annual showcase for our city’s youth to experience a wider and meaningful engagement with each other and their communities. This year’s program, coupled with today’s announcement, shows how lives can be changed when the City of Toronto supports its youth through important programs and funding initiatives.”
– Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 12 Toronto-St. Paul’s)
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