Addressing Disparities in Arts Funding in Northwestern ad Far North Ontario 

Introduction

The arts sector is a pivotal element of cultural enrichment, economic vitality, and community cohesion. In Ontario, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) and the Canada Council for the Arts are the primary bodies responsible for funding and supporting a wide range of arts initiatives.

However, an initial, in-depth analysis of funding distribution from the fiscal years 2021-2022 to 2023-2024 reveals significant disparities in resource allocation, particularly in the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area and the broader Far North Region. This report examines the extent of these funding gaps, their implications for the local arts community, and offers strategic recommendations to address the identified underinvestment.

Between the fiscal years of 2017-2018 and 2023-2024, the Ontario Arts Council funded 24,284 projects with a total investment of $417,483,471. Concurrently, the Canada Council for the Arts supported 58,277 projects, amounting to $2,233,026,441.67. Combined, both councils financed 82,561 projects with an aggregate funding of $2,650,509,912.67. 

Focusing on the more recent three-year period from 2021-2022 to 2023-2024, the OAC funded 10,267 projects in Ontario totalling $166,671,508, while the Canada Council for the Arts supported 26,961 projects across Canada with a total of $1,127,980,658. Together, they funded 37,228 projects with an overall investment of $1,294,652,166 during these three years.

Geographic and Structural Barriers

Artists in the Far North face a multitude of challenges that limit their ability to participate in the broader arts sector. One of the most significant obstacles is the geographic isolation of communities in this region. Many artists are located in remote areas, making travel to urban centers for networking, training, and exhibitions both expensive and time-consuming. For example, a simple meeting or event in nearby towns like Dryden or Ignace could cost $30-$40 in gas, with travel times extending up to two hours each way. This not only limits collaboration opportunities but also consumes valuable time that could otherwise be spent on creative work.

Further compounding these challenges are the structural issues within the arts funding landscape. The Ontario Arts Council (OAC), which is the primary body distributing arts funding across the province, has demonstrated a persistent inequity in its allocation of resources to the Far North. Despite the region’s vast cultural wealth and the unique contributions of Indigenous artists, the funding received by the Far North consistently represents a tiny fraction of the total OAC funding.

Canada Council for the Arts in the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area

The Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area, part of the OAC’s Far North Region, has received targeted yet minimal support from the Canada Council for the Arts over the study period. 

• In 2023-2024, out of 2,311 projects funded across Ontario, only three projects in Kenora-Kiiwetinoong were awarded grants, translating to a mere 0.13% of the total projects. The funding allocated amounted to $82,850, representing 0.082% of the OAC's total funding that year. These projects included two organizational grants and one individual award.

• In 2022-2023, of the 2,796 projects funded province-wide, the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area secured six projects, representing 0.21% of Ontario's total projects for the year. The total funding here was $393,360, constituting 0.34% of the overall funding. This distribution included four individual awards and two organizational grants.

• During 2021-2022, with 3,017 projects funded across Ontario, the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Region received five projects, which is 0.17% of the total projects. The financial support totalled $172,402, making up 0.12% of provincial funding. Notably, all five awards in this year were granted to individuals, with no organizational support.

These figures indicate that the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area consistently receives a minimal share of both project funding and overall financial support from the Canada Council for the Arts, with funding percentages fluctuating between 0.08% to 0.34% of total provincial allocations annually.

Ontario Arts Council’s Far North Region

The Ontario Arts Council’s Far North Region, which includes the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong District, demonstrates a slightly higher yet still modest allocation of resources. 

• In 2023-2024, out of 3,323 projects funded throughout Ontario, 20 projects in the Far North Region were supported, accounting for 0.60% of total projects. The funding reached $195,413, representing 0.37% of the OAC's total funding for that year. This included seven individual awards and thirteen organizational grants.

• In 2022-2023, with 3,317 projects funded, the Far North Region secured 36 projects, which is 1.09% of the total. The funding allocation increased to $251,995, making up 0.44% of provincial funding. This distribution comprised twenty-eight individual awards and eight organizational grants.

• From 2021-2022, out of 3,717 projects funded across Ontario, 28 projects in the Far North Region received grants, constituting 0.75% of the total projects. The total funding was $207,061, equating to 0.37% of the OAC’s overall funding. These awards included twenty-two individual grants and six organizational supports.

The Far North Region's funding allocations, ranging from 0.37% to 0.44% of total OAC funding, display a slightly more significant engagement compared to the Canada Council’s distribution in Kenora-Kiiwetinoong. Nevertheless, these percentages remain minimal, highlighting the region's limited access to substantial arts funding.

Demographic Insights

The demographic data from the 2021 Census of Population further highlights the challenges faced by artists in the Far North. There are 290 artists in the region, with 190 men and 105 women. This number represents a small fraction of the total labor force, which consists of 15,300 men and 13,945 women, making up only 0.99% of the total labor force. Within this group, men account for 1.24%, while women account for just 0.75% of the total labor force. This underrepresentation speaks to the broader systemic barriers that prevent the arts sector from flourishing in the region, particularly for women and Indigenous artists.

These statistics underscore the need for more targeted support and infrastructure to foster the growth of the arts sector in the Far North. The limited number of artists in this region reflects the difficulty in making the arts a viable career path, especially when compared to more urban areas where the sector is better supported and funded.

Canada Council for the Arts Funding for the Dryden, Ignace and Sioux Lookout Area (2021-2024)

Further breaking down the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area into the Sioux Lookout, Dryden, and Ignace region reveals even more pronounced funding disparities. 

• In 2023-2024, the Canada Council for the Arts funded 2,311 projects across Ontario but recorded no projects funded in the Sioux Lookout - Dryden - Ignace area, representing 0% of the total projects for that year. Consequently, the funding allocation in this area was $0, accounting for 0% of the total provincial funding. This absence highlights a significant gap in funding allocation for this specific locality.

• In 2022-2023, of the 2,796 projects funded province-wide, the Sioux Lookout - Dryden - Ignace area secured six projects from the Canada Council for the Arts, representing approximately 0.21% of the total projects. The funding allocation amounted to $393,360, which supported four individual artists and two organizations, constituting approximately 0.34% of the total provincial funding. This marks a slight improvement in funding presence, yet the overall allocation remains disproportionately low compared to the total provincial funding.

• During 2021-2022, with 3,017 projects funded across Ontario, the Sioux Lookout - Dryden - Ignace area received five projects, all of which were awarded to individual artists, totaling $172,402. This allocation represents approximately 0.17% of the total projects and 0.12% of the provincial funding. No organizational grants were provided in this year, further emphasizing the limited support for collective or community-based arts initiatives in the region.

These figures demonstrate that the Sioux Lookout - Dryden - Ignace area faces even greater challenges in accessing arts funding. With funding allocations consistently low, ranging from 0% to 0.21% of projects and 0% to 0.34% of funding, and often limited to individual awards, there is a clear need for increased focus and targeted funding initiatives to support both individual artists and organizations within this specific locality.

Ontario Arts Council Funding for the Dryden, Ignace and Sioux Lookout Area (2021-2024)

• In 2023-2024, the Ontario Arts Council funded 3,323 projects across Ontario, investing a total of $53,349,169. Within this period, the Sioux Lookout - Dryden - Ignace area received funding for 20 projects, comprising 13 individual awards and 7 organizational grants, amounting to $195,413. This allocation represents approximately 0.60% of the total OAC-funded projects and about 0.37% of the total OAC funding for that year.

• In 2022-2023, the Ontario Arts Council funded 3,317 projects across Ontario, totaling $56,765,392. For the Sioux Lookout - Dryden - Ignace area, there were 34 grants awarded, including 26 individual awards and 8 organizational grants, for a total of $236,995. This allocation accounts for approximately 1.03% of the total OAC-funded projects and about 0.42% of the total OAC funding for that year.

• During 2021-2022, the Ontario Arts Council funded 3,717 projects across Ontario, with a total investment of $56,556,947. In the Sioux Lookout - Dryden - Ignace area, 28 projects were funded, supporting 22 individuals and 6 organizations, for a total of $207,061. This allocation represents approximately 0.75% of the total OAC-funded projects and about 0.37% of the total OAC funding for that year.

Art Borups Corners Funding

In 2023-2024, participatory arts programming was funded with support from Manitoba Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership totalling $10,000.

Additionally, in 2022-2023 two arts projects were delivered by Art Borups Corners, supporting activities in Winnipeg with funding from the Manitoba Arts Council for a total budget of $36,000.

In 2021-2022, the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse Program supported Art Borups Corners and its arts incubator program with $49,352.

Total arts sector support for Arts Borups Corners from 2021-2022 to 2023-2024 was $95,352.

Proposed Pathway: A Dedicated Non-Profit Organization for the Arts

An Initial Assessment from Our Point of View

This preliminary analysis of arts funding in Ontario from 2021-2024 requires further investigation. It highlights substantial inequities in resource distribution, particularly affecting the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area and the Sioux Lookout-Dryden-Ignace region within the Far North. These disparities are evident in the consistently low percentages of total projects and funding allocations directed towards these areas, indicating systemic challenges that hinder the growth and sustainability of the arts sector in remote regions.

One of the primary issues identified is the minimal financial support received by the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area and the Sioux Lookout-Dryden-Ignace region. With funding allocations often below 0.5% of the total provincial funding, these regions are significantly underrepresented compared to more urban centers. This limited access to funding restricts the ability of local artists and organizations to develop and execute impactful projects, thereby stifling cultural and economic development. The absence of organizational grants in certain years further exacerbates the issue, limiting support to individual artists and neglecting community-based initiatives that could foster broader cultural engagement and collaboration.

Demographic insights reveal that the Far North Region hosts a mere 0.99% of the total labor force in the arts, with notable underrepresentation of youth, women and Indigenous artists. This highlights deeper systemic barriers such as limited access to training, mentorship, and professional networks, which are critical for developing the capabilities needed to secure and manage funding effectively. The geographic isolation of these areas compounds these challenges, leading to higher project costs and difficulty in accessing necessary infrastructure and resources.

Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities to address funding disparities and enhance the arts ecosystem in the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area and the Sioux Lookout-Dryden-Ignace region. Increasing funding allocations from both the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts is essential to bridge the gap between urban and remote areas. Developing targeted grant programs that account for the unique geographic and economic conditions of these regions can provide tailored support, enabling local artists and organizations to propose and execute projects that resonate with their specific community needs.

Capacity building initiatives, such as workshops and training sessions focused on grant writing and project management, can empower local artists and organizations to enhance their capabilities. By improving their ability to develop competitive proposals, these initiatives can increase the likelihood of securing larger and more impactful funding. Additionally, fostering partnerships and collaborations between local artists, organizations, and external stakeholders can lead to more robust and innovative projects, leveraging diverse skills and resources to maximize funding potential.

Regional advocacy and awareness campaigns are also crucial in raising the profile of the arts in remote regions. By increasing visibility and highlighting the importance of equitable funding, these campaigns can influence policymakers and funding bodies to prioritize underfunded areas. Promoting diversity and inclusion within the arts sector by implementing policies that specifically support marginalized groups, including women and Indigenous artists, can further enhance the cultural landscape and ensure a more representative distribution of artistic expressions.

Investing in infrastructure development, such as community centers, galleries, and performance spaces, can provide the necessary environment for artistic activities to thrive. Enhanced infrastructure not only supports current artists but also attracts new talent and funding by showcasing the region's cultural potential. Additionally, establishing regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will allow for continuous assessment of funding distribution and its impact, enabling timely adjustments to strategies and ensuring that resource allocation remains equitable and effective.

In conclusion, while the current funding landscape reveals significant underinvestment in the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong Area and Sioux Lookout-Dryden-Ignace region, there are clear pathways to address these disparities. Implementing targeted funding initiatives, regional capacity building programs, and infrastructure investments, alongside robust community-driven advocacy efforts, stakeholders can foster a more equitable and vibrant arts community in Ontario's remote regions. These efforts are essential to harness the transformative power of the arts, ensuring that all communities, regardless of geographic location, benefit from cultural enrichment and economic opportunities.

Data Sources we used

• Statistics Canada 2021: https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?Function=getVD&TVD=314300&CVD=314303&CPV=3560&CST=01012016&CLV=3&MLV=4

• Ontario Arts Council Grants Open Data: https://www.arts.on.ca/research-impact/open-data

• Canada Council for the Arts Data Tables: https://canadacouncil.ca/research/data-tables

Conclusion

The arts sector in Northwestern Ontario and the Far North is facing an uphill battle, with systemic barriers preventing it from reaching its full potential. The low level of funding allocated to the Far North, the limited number of grants, and the underrepresentation of artists in the regional labor force all point to the need for targeted action. The creation of a dedicated non-profit organization for the arts would provide a sustainable, collaborative, and empowering pathway to address these issues and create a more equitable and thriving arts community in the Far North. Such an initiative could not only help artists gain access to funding and resources but also contribute to the broader cultural and economic development of the region.

This map shows the number of funded Ontario Arts Council projects in the Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Ignace areas from 2021-2024.