Open Letter by MPP Jill Andrew
CALL TO ACTION TO ALL WHO WANT TO SEE ONTARIO’S ARTS & CULTURE COMMUNITIES SURVIVE COVID-19
If you are an artist, a cultural worker or part of an arts institution please sign. If you are a creative entrepreneur or business owner who wants to see culture not fall through the cracks please sign.
If you are a simply a person who enjoys arts and culture and wants to join us in our fight to protect it please sign.
Please help us get this message to the media and more importantly to the provincial government.
Please join us in getting this message out. If you are interested in helping please call /email your local MPP to help bring awareness to this cause. There is strength in numbers and our time is now!
Please only sign once. The letter and full list of signatures will be sent to the offices of the Premier of Ontario and the Hon. Minister Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.
It will also be posted publicly and released to the media with signatories. It may also be published, or posted online on a website.
ARTS & CULTURE OPEN LETTER
Hon. Premier Doug Ford
Premier's Office
Room 281
Legislative Building, Queen's Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1
Hon. Minister Lisa MacLeod
Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
438 University Avenue, 6th Floor
Toronto, ON M5G 2K8
May 15, 2020
Greetings Premier Doug Ford and Hon. Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy as possible during this difficult time.
On May 11, 2020 the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture led by Hon. Minister MacLeod hosted a last minute technical briefing zoom meeting. There were over 70 people in attendance on the call including MPPs and staff. Of the 45 minutes scheduled, 7 minutes at the end were provided for us as MPPs to bring the voices of our communities to the forefront. This was insufficient.
Today we are writing you on behalf of the many artists, cultural workers, gig economy workers and arts administrators we represent in our Toronto ridings. We are writing on behalf of the countless grassroots, small and medium-sized community arts organizations, collectives, charities and non-profits representing invaluable diverse neighbourhood cultures, languages and identities we are each so honoured to represent. Artists tell the stories of our communities – they are the story. Our cultural institutions are vehicles for social and economic justice and they embody the power of representation. Creatives amplify local challenges, broaden community conversations and champion solutions through the arts. Through culture, voices that have historically been marginalized – especially Indigenous, Black and racialized, women-identified, Deaf, disabled and LGBTQ2S+ are not only seen but they are heard.
Our local artists and arts organizations have struggled long before COVID-19 for the respect, recognition and real, sustainable funding from your provincial government they deserve. Arts organizations big and small, artists, writers, musicians, comedians, thespians, filmmakers, television producers and production crews, collectives, fashion designers and local sewists have generously given of their talents during this difficult time through free online concerts, public readings, film screenings and festivals, theatre, sharing of visual arts and creative communities stepping up and creating non-medical home-made PPE. Our arts communities have shown us consistently who they are and have been there helping comfort and connect Ontarians across our province throughout this difficult time. It’s time your government had their backs too.
For example, the decision of your government last year to slash the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) budget by $10 million with unforeseen cuts on the way was unimaginable and has left an indelible mark on arts communities across Ontario especially those represented by OAC-identified priority groups: artists of colour, Deaf artists and artists with disabilities, Francophone artists, Indigenous artists, new generation artists (16-30 years old) and artists living in regions outside of Toronto. Adding insult to injury, your government ended the Indigenous Culture Fund a direct response to the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action, slashed the Ontario Music Fund by over fifty percent, slashed millions from Celebrate Ontario which meant 71 fewer tourism and arts festivals received grants and you also ripped funding from Ontario Library Service-North and Southern Ontario Library Service programs. Needless to say a lot of damage was done last year, it impacted many lives and livelihoods and continues to.
We are now all trying to navigate through COVID-19 – a pandemic exposing the very inequities all too many of our community members experience routinely.
Our arts and culture communities have been suffering and they need DIRECT SUPPORT now more than ever from their Ontario provincial government. According to Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts, there is an estimated $500 million dollar estimated total loss of arts revenue by June alone and that number will continue to increase without your support. Artisans, cultural workers and arts organization – especially those serving predominantly racialized, lower-income, disabled and LGBTQ2S+ communities are especially hurting and in need of direct support from the government. Without support many more will shutter which is a loss for both arts communities and communities fighting for safer community spaces, equity and representation.
As Members of Provincial Government we have worked with and listened to community and they have identified areas where DIRECT SUPPORT is critical in order for our arts communities to not only ‘respond’ to COVID-19 but RECOVER from it. Artists, cultural workers and community-based arts organizations must be at the COVID-19 recovery table. Their voices must be heard.
Today, Premier Ford and Hon. Minister MacLeod may this Open Letter serve as your final notice. Our community members need your support today. They need a transparent and publicly accountable plan that demonstrates your commitment to them not as a ‘frill’ or an afterthought but as vital, contributing members, integral to what makes Ontario who we are and a formidable contributor to our economy. It is not enough for your government to engage large multi-million dollar cultural institutions in silos. Small and medium arts voices must also be heard.
On behalf of Toronto, home to more than twice as many artists and cultural workers as any other Canadian city, we write you with the DIRECT ASKS of our arts communities.
Premier Ford and Hon. Minister MacLeod these are some of the ASKS for DIRECT SUPPORT coming from arts communities:
•
Provide direct provincial support to our arts community. According to many in our arts communities funding programs announced so far by the federal government though welcomed have either been insufficient or applicants are not eligible. Many in our community are still awaiting transparent, detailed and direct information with regards to how the federal $500 million COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sports Organizations will aid Ontario specifically.
•
Invest in stimulus funding for digital transition plans to assist festivals currently in season so they can proceed online. They also need stabilization funding for the creation and execution of strategic marketing plans to reengage our culture sector audiences post COVID-19. Additionally, an ethnic media stabilization fund will assist our ethnic, community, and multilingual media producers which our culture sector depends on to reach our diverse audiences
•
Raise your voices to your federal counterparts. Our arts communities need government to allow donations made in the 2020 tax year to apply to the 2019 tax season enabling organizations to enhance their donations during this critical period
•
Reverse funding cuts to the Ontario Arts Council and increase funding to meet the exacerbated needs of arts communities. Maintain necessary resources to Celebrate Ontario and Ontario Summer Experience Program (with timely updates on OSEP based on ongoing COVID-19 physical distancing protocols)
•
Restore and fund the Indigenous Culture Fund
•
Reverse funding cuts to the Ontario Music Fund
•
Invest in the creation of an Ontario Digital Public Library
•
Increase Ontario minimum wage to benefit artists, gig-economy workers and to enhance consumer support of culture.
•
Ensure strong film and television production companies by ensuring that those who created jobs and investment in Ontario by shooting here, will receive their tax credits in a timely manner, whether or not they are able to complete their productions. This will require waivers to some of the eligibility requirements for the tax credits and direction from Ontario to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that costs associated with production shut-downs and longer-than-normal carrying costs are eligible for the tax credit.
•
Arts community is asking your government to recognize the significance of grant applications already in the pipeline (Ontario Arts Council, Celebrate Ontario, Ontario Summer Experience Program, Ontario Creates, OTF, etc.). These grants were already vital to arts organizations' budgets before COVID-19 hit, and they've only become more crucial for survival this year.
•
Artists and arts organizations need to receive grant application results as soon as possible. Community must be made aware of new granting opportunities as soon as possible. There are TOO MANY outstanding grant applications and applicants need to receive decisions immediately
•
Arts communities need your government to recognize the significant impact that the current state of the private sector market is having on our usual revenue sources. Additional emergency grants should be considered for arts organizations and non-profits to help make up for the lack of funding available in the private sector (sponsorship and donations) this year.
•
Legislate residential and commercial rent and mortgage relief. Legislate rent control, rent/mortgage freezes and the banning of evictions and rent increases both during this pandemic and the uncertain times ahead as Ontario recovers
•
Many Live Entertainment Industry workers (technicians, artisans and crafts persons in the entertainment industry including live theatre, motion picture, television production and trade shows) are cobbling several jobs together to make a livable wage. This is not sustainable and requires immediate provincial government support. While they wait to be seen by this government they like many others in our culture sector are struggling to cover basic expenses such as rent, medical prescriptions and food.
•
Acknowledge fashion communities ongoing call to government to recognize our fashion and textile industries as part of the culture sector and fund it as such. Our significant lack of local, provincial, national manufacturers has resulted in our governments relying heavily on PPE manufacturing offshore.
•
Arts organizations need more clarity around ‘Ontario Live’ and how/if this program will benefit them
•
Fund seniors’ arts programs. Previous programs such as the Engaging Seniors through the Arts Program recognized the immense value of the arts to senior health, wellness and connectivity. Our seniors are some of the hardest hit by COVID-19
•
Re-launch the Ontario Arts Endowment Program which matched private sector donations with government funding. Some stakeholders have reported more than a 50% loss in private sector funding over this time last year. They are asking for fast-flowing emergency grants to help them get by
•
The Community Museum Operating Grant (CMOG) has not been increased in over 10 years resulting in under-funded cultural institutions unable to compete with modern technologies and accessibility needs of diverse visitors. Funding must mirror inflation and the costs of current operational needs. Our museum communities report significant difficulties engaging with the Grants Ontario Portal.
We know these asks are significant, but the challenges this sector faces are enormous. We urge you again to listen to the voices of artists and the creative sector, and take urgent action.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jill Andrew, PhD
MPP Toronto-St. Paul’s
Signed By:
Ryan Reynolds,
Actor, Writer, Producer
Maximum Effort Productions
Jessica Bell, MPP for University-Rosedale
Marit Stiles, MPP for Davenport
Peter Tabuns, MPP for Toronto-Danforth
Rima Berns-McGown, MPP for Beaches-East York
Chris Glover, MPP for Spadina-Fort York
Doly Begum, MPP for Scarborough Southwest
Faisal Hassan, MPP for York South-Weston
Bhutila Karpoche, MPP for Parkdale-High Park
Tom Rakocevic, MPP for Humber River-Black Creek
Suze Morrison, MPP for Toronto Centre
Catherine Fife, MPP for Waterloo
Jamie West, MPP for Sudbury
Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin
Venessa Douse, Supporter
Sharine Taylor, Writer and editor
Spencer Julien FRSA,
Co-Founder, Hektor Projects
Dr Margaret Schotte, Assoc. Professor of History, York University
Samantha Keuger, Torontonian who loves arts and culture and does not want to see it decay
Gillian Kranias, Partnerships with community arts organizations
Beverley Eadie, I enjoy arts and culture.
Mary Pedersen,
Tv writer, consumer, fan
Sebastián Mendoza-Price, Arts and cultural worker
Kate Johnston, Filmmaker/ theatre writer/director
Cheryll Case, Patron of the arts
Emilie Aubin, stage manager for theatre
Shayna Sayers-Wolfe, Supporter
Nila Gupta, Published Writer
Julia Horel, Publisher, Shameless
Justin Antheunis, President of IATSE Local 58
Alexis Dawson, Consumer
Aaron, Student
AL James, Music
Joy Henderson, Afro-Indigenous writer
Muirgheal Losroy, Comedian. Writer
Dexter Sloam, i am a Drag Queen
Nadine Wiltshire
Simon McNabb
Zee Thompson, Musician, film maker, song writer
Gini Dickie, Supporter
Andy Wang
Tara Aiello, University student studying arts & supporter of arts in the communities such as plays
Winston Neutel
Lester Brown, Consumer
Donna Hager, Supporter
Janice Roberts,
Director, Indigo Design
Dorianne Emmerton,
I am a fiction writer (with a day job) and am on the organizing committee for the Brockton Writers Series and the Bi+ Arts Festival.
Marni Binder, Associate Professor and supporter
Jessica Greenberg, I am theatre artist in Ontario
Raquel Aurini, I'm an visual artist.
Jason Cole,
Provincial VP-Toronto Centre NDP, Church Wellesley Village Resident
Liam Skinner,
Supporter and community member
Kyren Lane,
Great Lakes concert band and music class
Zach Sommers
Alyssa Mattrasingh,
Fan, participant, ethnic-cultural-and racial minority
Dianna K. Goneau Inkster,
trained as a librarian, trained as an elementary school teacher, experience as a public and school librarian, instructor of students in a community college ECE programme, mother of 2 young children, etc.
Rodney Diverlus,
Artist, Wildseed Centre for Arts & Activism-Board of Directors
Matt McGeachy,
Theatre artist
Shelli Cassidy-McIntosh,
Gallery Director
Carole Paul , Trombonist Composer Arranger
B. Ross Ashley,
A singer and volunteer in Common Thread: Community Chorus of Toronto
Tulay
Susan Roper, I am a patron of the arts here in Scarborough & in Toronto. I have theatre subscriptions to several different theatres as do my children, I take my grandchildren to the Nutcracker & the pantomime every Christmas and several times during the year when it is something age appropriate. We also visit the AGO, ROM, Science Centre, Toronto Zoo on a regular basis. Arts & Culture are extremely important to everyone especially the school child who might never go unless on a school trip. how else would people learn about their country;s history, their own cultures history, world history. Please dont cut arts & culture
Tony Rein,
Actor, Director, Playwright
Natasha Rodriguez,
Arts advocate/teacher
James Arruda,
I love the arts!
Deborah Stewardson,
Supporter of the ARTs
Carly Shiff,
Artist, Gallery employee
Dedra McDermott,
Artist (Dancer and Actress), Arts Researcher
margaret chown,
Visual Artist
Dennis Quesnel,
Arts & culture is what is helping all of us get through COVID-19.
Brenda MacIntyre,
Artist and Indigenous Wisdomkeeper
Joie Lamar,
Goddess Day Arts Festival BOD, author, film writer and artist
Numila Alvarez,
Friends
Allie Futterer,
I’m a writer and my mum is a published author
Rachel Butler,
Doug Jones
Maureen Da Silva,
Artist, Studio Manager for The inPrint Collective
Thomas Dobronyi,
Dancer, choreographer
Oliver Pauk,
Founder of Akin (www.Akin.art)
Alan Barstow,
Creative arts lover
Andrew Williamson,
Producer, Photographer, Art gallery owner (forced to close because of Covid)
Jing Bian,
Aspiring producer
Stévia Arthur
Brittney Vandersel,
I work in professional theatre
Phoebe Hu,
Multidisciplinary immigrant artist
Shay Erlich,
Co-Founder, The Cyborg Circus Project
Bev Katz Rosenbaum,
Author and Editor
Barry Lipton,
Former stage manager, weaver, and carnival artist
Glenn Novak,
Artist, photography instructor
Kim
Multiple, performung arts friends
Kenneth Baker,
Performer (Opera, Stage, Film, and TV)
Andrea Atherley,
Audience member
Kendra Baker,
Patron and Performer
Carrie Perreault,
Artist
Gabriel Thibault,
Podcaster
The young queer & crip podcast
Annis Karpenko, MFA
Arts Administrator and Artist
Joanne Vannicola,
Author, actor, founder of Youth Out Loud, chair of outACTRAto
Pauline Zvejnieks,
Writer, Supporter of arts and culture
Jennifer McNeely,
Publisher & Arts Supporter
Shedoesthecity.com Inc.
Christopher Fowler,
Actor, Arts Educator
Alex Mlynek,
Writer and editor
Shelley Savor,
Artist
Sarah Sahagian,
I’m a writer and podcaster
Freelance
Anyika Mark,
I am an actor and playwright
Shazia Hussain,
Consumer, supporter of diverse representation in arts and culture, member of diverse communities
Tiffany N
Leslie Page,
Arts Administrator
Ardene Shapiro,
Singer-Songwriter
K. Dani De Angelis,
Community-engaged artist
Patti Gray,
Patron
Toronto Blues Society
melissa jones
Dr. Shawn Newman,
Research & Impact Manager
Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation
Gail Elsligar,
My friend’s son is studying at Canada’s National Ballet
National Ballet of Canada
Geoff Doner,
I’m an artist, composer, musician and cofounder of arts organization Bureau Of Power And Light. I also work as a AV technician and Events Supervisor
Cofounder of Bureau Of Power And Light
Amanda Buschau,
Supporter of the Arts
Mary-Ellen Rayner
Roberta Lamb,
Assoc. Professor (retired), Dan School of Drama & Music, Queen's University
Storm Jackson,
Dancer, musician, singer, writer
Lawrence Axmith,
Teacher, Camp Director, Theatre Producer/Creator
Elizabeth Brunton,
Artist
Self employed
Elspeth Thomson,
Musician
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
Linda Gallant,
Musician, actor, educator, consumer
Kais Padamshi,
OCADU Alumni, Poet and Visual Artist
Brandon Scatterty
Karen Tzventarny,
Artist
Allison Besenski,
Pottery
Potters guild
Susan Park,
Artist
Dianna Gunn,
Author, artist, actress
Sarah Kolasky,
Actor and Filmmaker
Dylan McDermid
Clare Devlin
Cailin Stadnyk,
Self-employed actor, singer, dancer. Lost my long term contract (Come From Away - Mirvish Prods.) due to COVID-19
Equity, ACTRA
Tamara Bernstein,
Artistic Director of concert series; music journalist; regular audience member and donor
Rami Schandall,
I am an interdisciplinary artist: poet, writer and multi-media visual artist.
Rami Schandall
Sidney Coles,
Supporter - multiple memberships and seasons tickets
Manu S-M,
Social Worker/McMaster University
Tina Legris,
Tattoo Artist
Puedmag Inkpire
Kyra Jones,
Supporter of the arts
Kristian Truelsen,
Actor, composer, writer
Ghost Balloon
Shauna Harris,
patron
Personal
Heidi Langr,
Musician/Instructor
Anna Ferrante,
Gardens, Permanculture, Food
Terra Nuova
Kathy Friedman,
Writer, Community Arts Worker
Samuel La France,
Executive Director, Images Festival
Jane Deluzio,
Arts educator
President CODE (Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators)
Amanda Lindenbach,
Artist & Cultural Worker
Barbara
Audience
David Udayasekaran,
Activist and educator
Irwin Elman,
Supporter of Youth Arts
Doug Knott,
Retired teacher.
Liisa North,
Appreciative patron
York University
Elyssa Marks,
Enjoy going to all arts and culture events. A volunteer at TJFF, TIFF, Hotdocs
Marika Viger, A consumer of art, a relative and neighbour of artists
Debbie Wolgelerenter
Howard Buckstein,
I am a singer-songwriter.
Howard Buckstein
Jordyn Samuels,
Actor
Susan Haney,
Consumer
Olivia Sementsova,
Visual Artist and Motion Picture Costumer
NABET 700
Matias Recharte,
Musician, music educator
Kuné - Canada's Global Orchestra
Mary Anne, Waterhouse-Currie
FIlm & TV Industry
Quadrant Motion Pictures Inc.
Brydon Gombay,
Lover of all the arts
Community psychologist
Catherine Bush,
Novelist, Creative Writing Professor
Coordinator, University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA
Lucy Rupert,
dancer and choreographer
Blue Ceiling dance and freelance
Laura Jones,
Professional musician (‘cellist)
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
Paulina Drohomyrecky,
Dancer
Ren Tashiro
I love creativity, art and music, and feel especially grateful during this crisis
Reva Marin
author
Cristina Zacharias
Musician
Allison Cummings
Independent Performing Artist
Ashley Ballantyne
Theatre goer + supporter, live music + performing arts publicity
Sr. Director, Communications, Universal Music Canada
Candice Irwin
Dance Artist
Oriah Wiersma
Dance artist
Free lance
Jenny Meya
I am an artist entrepreneur
Sara Valade
Jennie Robinson Faber
Arts worker
Executive Director, Dames Making Games
Michelle Grosso
Motion Picture Technician
IATSE 873
Elliot Salmons
Our company specializes in live dance events
C.O.O. DanceBUG
Judith Ginsberg
My children both work in the arts. I am a patron and lover of the arts and cultural sector. Arts and culture enhance our qiality of life and increase the overall well-being of both ondividuals and communities
Librarian Emerita, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
Susan Anthony
Arts education advocate .and appreciator .
Retired Early Childhood Educator
Greg Woodbury
Arts Administrator/Media Artist
Operations Manager, Charles Street Video
Sara Porter
Choreographer
Sara Porter
Corynne Bisson
A dancer and choreographer who has called Toronto home for over five years.
Co-founder of Gal Pal Productions, Host of ‘Being an Artist is F**king Killing Me’
Natalie Rizzo
Visual Artist
Yessica Rostan
Musician, Writer, Youth Arts Educator
www.shessisandu.com Cailin Stadnyk
Self-employed actor, singer, dancer. Lost my long term contract (Come From Away - Mirvish Prods.) due to COVID-19
Equity, ACTRA
Stan Krzyzanowski
Artist, OCA Alum
Associate Professor OCAD University
Sheila Stewart
poet
Writing Studies Faculty, University of Toronto
Anushe R
Supporter of the arts
Civil Servant
Brent Haynes
Song Writer
Founding member, Evolutionary Music Co-operative
PAMELA THOMSON
Supporter
Wendy Pappas
Just a person who enjoys arts and culture
Ms.
Jennifer Thompson
Art School Founder
CEO, Create Art Studio
Henry Faber
Community and equitable space developer and digital media producer
Gamma Space Collaborative Studio / TMAC
Alice Freitas
Absolutely love the arts
Teacher
Gilda Whyne
Supporter
Lisa Shamata
Film publicist
Freelance
Cynthia Hawkins
choral singer, volunteer board member, arts worker
Immediate Past Executive Director, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
Liz Johnston
Writer & Editor
Nicholas Miceli
storyteller, arts administrator
Storytelling Toronto, Common Thread Community Chorus
David Plant
Executive Director
Trinity Square Video
David DePoe
Singer songwriter
Veronica Roy
Arts administrator and performing artist
General Manager, House of Paint Festival of Urban Arts and Culture
Michael Grimaldi
Admire
Linda Heron
Volunteer at the Textile Museum of Canada, textile artist
Mrs.
Luciano Iogna
Theatre Creator
Mr. Luciano Iogna
Kristine Mifsud
Artist
Daphne Simone
Educator, Sheridan College (Faculty of Arts)
Creative Producer/Director
Nicole Faull
Independent dancer, choreographer, and producer
Nyasha Sharpe
Supporter if the Arts
leZlie. lee kam
Story teller & queer youth/elders project @ Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Out of the CLOSET - workshop facilitator
Gwen Deegan
Graphic designer
Blue Planet Design Inc.
Jules VanDerMeer
Photography and supporter of all arts
Jameson Kraemer
Actor
Grant Oyston
Director, Revue Film Society
Dieter Misgeld
universitprofessor/retired:in humanities/socialstudies
University of Toronto faculty Association/Professor emeritus
Chanti Laliberte
Freelance Head of Wardrobe & Craftsperson for Theatre & Film
Stratford Festival Wardrobe
Ryan G. Hinds
Theatre Artist
Associate Artist, lemonTree creations
Jennifer Wöhrle
Artist and patron
Jeffrey Canton
Children’s Book Columnist for The Globe and Mail and Storyteller
Children’s Book Columnist for The Globe and Mail
Rita Thes
Supporter/lover of the arts which bring joy in our lives
York University
Paula Coop McCrory
Visual Artist
BumbleBrie Bourn
BumbleBrie Bourn
Elizabeth Aubin
Supporter
Gunta Dreifelds
Surtitles
SURTITLES tm
Alice Freitas
Absolutely love the arts
Teacher
Cara Lee Malen
Supporter of the Arts
Cara Lee Malen
Mary Hickman
Hannah
Student / Woodworking and Craftsmanship enthusiast, daughter of a play write, sister of a musician
Sabrina Sawyer
Work with Educators and students to connect with arts and culture
Indigenous Education Lead-Teacher Consultant Grand Erie
Isabelle Crisante
Photographer, videographer, blogger culture enthusiast
Pro Support Specialist SNA
Lauren Collins
Actor, writer and producer
Pia Bouman
dancer, choreographer and teacher
Founder (1979) and Artistic Director of Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement, a caritable not for profit school that stands behind the belief that arts education and learning is a cultural right for everyone, the School, located on Sterling Road, has been for many years a cultural hub, and is one of the grassroots organizations important to sustain, promote and celebrate the arts.
Estelle Berry
I have many artist friends and love the arts.
Mark Trifunovic
I am a filmmaker and freelance film technician in film, TV and commercials
Writer / Director / Props Assistant / Set Dresser
Eufemia Fantetti
writer and instructor
R. Tobias
Subscriber, theatres, ago member
Fiona Thistle
Musician/Arts Administrator
Jim Christiansen
Kristin Malcolm
participant
Kristin Malcolm
JoAnne Formanek Gustafson
Teacher; Vice President
ETFO Rainy River OT Local
Jane Anne Gibson
Music drama dance teacher
Peel District School Board
Kathy Rogers-Hartley
Photographer
Self employed
Peter Alan jones
former dancer, artist , craftsman
the japanese paper place
Troy Jackson
Performer, Writer
Supreme Tamu
Serena Finlayson
Dance artist and choreographer
Sonny Ong
VFX
Senior Asset Artist
Nicole Nedescu
Teacher
PDSB
Barb Orchard
Friends whom bring their talents to students
Personal Support Worker
Steven Sladkowski
Guitarist (PUP) & Music Educator
PUPTHEBAND
Jonathon Howe
Radio host and Musician
Jr. Announcer, 97.7 HTZ FM, Bell Media
Bridget Hough
Supporter of the arts, retired artist, mother of a painter and an actor
Rachel Barreca
Performer, Patron, Volunteer
April Martin
Artist
Dennis Punter
Organist, Pianist and Choral Director
United Church of Canada
Scott Miller Berry
filmmaker and cultural worker
Workman Arts
Margaret van Stekelenburg
Choir member
Howard Buckstein
I am a singer-songwriter.
Howard Buckstein
Jo-Anne Lennard
I am a fabric artist and photographer with a day job and a supporter of the arts.
V.e.Smith
SINGER .
Donald K McKay
Singer and Board Member
- The Upper Canada Choristers
V.E. SMITH
A long time singer aand supporter of
Pax Christi choral and others
Bridgette Anderson
Singer | Songwriter | Stagediver
B.A.B.E
Josephine Guan
Freelance Designer
Louise Lemaitre
Arts teacher in elementary school
Viamonde
josephine grey
am a daughter, wife and mother of artists, and a human rights defender who stands for the right to benefit from the creation of culture (article 15 UNESCR) the arts are crucial to our quality of life, mental health, economy and evolution. I have seen too many great artists (like my those in my family) struggle and suffer because they are artists by nature. some died early and poor as a result. This has to change - now-including setting up a basic income guarantee so we can all access and benefit from the arts.
Co-Founder Director LIFT Toronto
Alvaro Cruz
Illustrator/Cartoonist
Gayle Kosola
Arts & culture make the world go round.
Ms.
Fjóla Evans
composer
Cecil King
Patron
Reg McQuaid
Consumer
Shelley Le Sarge
Music Specialist / Teacher
Peel District School Board
Ellen Fielding
Independent artist + art supporter
Ellen Fielding
JamesMcCrimmon
I am in the animation industry and support the arts.
Candi Zell
actor
sallie lyons
practitioner, teacher
self employed theatre, dance, and yoga
Lorna Jones
Arts educator
Anja Sagan
I am an Artist, author and filmmaker
Miraclewalker Productions, Director/CEO
Nadia Yau
Suz Johnston
Film
Costume Supervisor
Patty Jarvis
Arts educator, arts admininstrator and advocate
Canadian Opera Company, Studio 180 Theatre, Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement in Ontario
Lana Filippone
Full time visual artist, sculpture.
Svetlana Lilova
Supporter
Carly Shiff
Artist, Gallery employee
Hugh Pattison
citizen
n/a
Lorna Jones
Arts educator
Sue Brown
Music and drama teacher; wife of actor-musician; I LOVE the Arts!
Una Verdandi
I am an author, editor, and visual artist
Editor and Proprietor, Quills and Queries Editing
Debra Black
Visual Artist/Instructor
Debra Black Studio
Jeremy Saya
Artist, Arts Worker
Images Festival
Lisa Quaning
Dancer
Adrienne
Elaine Brodie
Artist and Arts Professor
Brenda Darling
Arts Producer & Theatre Director
Alumnae Theatre Company
Jessica Butler
Singer and arts enthusiast
Hayley Steinhart
Artist & Musician
Workman Arts
Barbora Raceviciute
Cultural worker
Operations Director - Images Festvail
Jennifer DePoe
Graduate of the Technical Theatre program at Ryerson University. Founder of Sad Dyke Poetry Night. Supporter of the Arts.
Talisa Blackman
Musician
Alice Freitas
Absolutely love the arts
Teacher
Aaditya Aggarwal
Writer/Programmer/Cultural Worker
Images Festival
Lorraine Cramp
costume design
Terrill Maguire
Choreographer/dancer/arts educator
Lori Campbell
I am Indigenous. I also fight for social justice & the arts are a very powerful medium that capture justice issues.
Director Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre
Jovana Budisin
Art lover
Shani K Parsons
Curator, Writer, Designer, Artist, Arts Administrator
Founding Director / Critical Distance Centre for Curators
Anna Chatterton
Two-time Governor General's Award for Drama Nominee Playwright
Playwright
Melina Arseneault
High school teacher, supporter
Angela Britto
Regent Park Film Festival
Executive Director
Rabiya Mansoor
Theatre Artist / Sketch Comedian
Galya
I love theater, arts & culture crucial for mental health
Chatterton Counselling
Cedric Martin
Artistic Producer/Director
Theatre of the Beat
Carys Lewis
Writer, Director
Freelancer
Mike Gibbons
Musician
Robin Harvey
writer
Jess Cimò
PR and Marketing Coordinator, Freelance Arts Marketer, Performance Artist
Harbourfront Centre
Eleanor Johnston
Amateur creator, teacher, consumer
Justin and Clara Speer
Joline Squires
Supporter
Zana Kozomora
Artist and cultural worker
Paddy Gillard-Bentley
Artistic Director & Playwright
Flush Ink Productions
John Dibben
Actor, writer, director. Theatre goer.
Dr. Alex Kanarek
Community Theatre
Actor, Guelph Little Theatre, Elora Community Theatre
Jason Samilski
Managing Director, CARFAC Ontario
Maegen Black
National Arts Service Organisation Arts Administrator
Director, Canadian Crafts Federation
Lauren Howes
Culture Worker, Art and Culture enthusiast, tax payer, voter.
Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre
Efrat Gold
PhD Candidate, University of Toronto
Barbara Gilbert
Artistic & Executive Director
Le Laboratoire 'art - Le Labo Inc.
Evalyn Parry
Artistic Director,Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Adriana Rosselli
arts wokert
General Manager, Guelph Dance
Lee Ramsay
Avocational singer, retired music librarian and passionate arts supporter
Eileen Maxwell
Arts Supporter
Susan Hill
Claudia Moore
Dancer, Teacher, Artistic Director
MOonhORsE Dance / Older & Reckless
Randi Helmers
actor, singer, visual artist, arts instructor
Associate artist, Dotsa Bitove Wellness Academy
Joel Lindhorst
Actor
jeff perera
art inspires the change and healing we need.
Margaret Bardos
Mezzo-Soprano
Eileen McLaughlin
Community theatre volunteer
Elora Community Theatre
Elizabeth Zukorsky
audience member - the Arts bring me joy
Christopher Lapointe
im a theatrical technician
technician/ elora community theater
Ingrid Herbert
supporter of the arts
Samara Tower
Student theatre technician and dancer
Hart House Theatre
Margaret Rovers
I am a musician currently not professionally active but it is a passion of mine which is why I have my Bachelors of Music . I also have friends who are professional musicians, and artist in other ways. I am involved in a community theatre company as well and be it the patrons, the actor/actresses, the behind the scene crew, etc. They are all needed and enjoy it. During my years at public school I was involved in the school band from Grade 4 until I graduated. I feel that children in all our public schools should have the opportunity to learn from arts and culture Funding for Art and Culture should not be reduced.
Ms. Margaret Rovers
Emily Reid
Artistic & Executive Director
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Linda Markus
craft artist
n/a
Andrea Elalouf
Arts Marketer
Kerry Swanson
Arts administrator
Indigenous Screen Office
Nicola Simmons, PhD
Arts-informed researcher, patron of the arts, parent of theatre professionals, graduate of OCADU
Professor
Yolanda Ferrato
Arts Manager, Dance & Theatre
Karina Iskandarsjah
Curator, Arts Worker, Artist
Trinity Square Video
Felan Parker
Co-founder and board president
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Ashley Woods
Jo Jefferson
writer
Amanda Lederle
Artist
Georgia Cowan
Paul Gagnon
Board of Directors
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Jennifer Walton
Visual artist, painter
Represented by Abbozzo Gallery, Toronto
E.Hannah Cowan
Designer
Celia Popovic
Consumer
Adam Kamin
Arts worker
Director of Development, South Western Int'l Film Festival
Laurie-Shawn Borzovoy
Media Artist, Chair of UrbanArts Toronto
UrbanArts Toronto
Christine Jackson
Teacher Education in the Arts; Arts consultant
Sessional Lecturer, OISE and Culture/Shift: Arts for Resilience & Change
Chris Kennedy
Filmmaker, Arts Administrator
Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto
Zoe Carpenter
Senior Production Manager
TO Live
Kate Holland
Professor of literature
University of Toronto
Denise Anderson
Musician and performing artist; arts educator and arts administrator
Education, Outreach & Accessibility Manager, Mirvish Productions
Marlene McKintosh
Arts Administrator
Executive Director, UrbanArts
Matthew Kennedy
Actor, Writer, Producer, Director
Aviva Fleising
Dancer / Arts worker
Canadian Dance Assembly
Holly Kirkconnell
Theatre
Sandi Girouard
Patron
Kristin Cavoukian
Musician and university educator
Veronika Pilger
Former actor, lover of all things cultural
Donna Flohil
The Arts in all forms are essential to the quality of our lives singlely and as a community and society.
David S Craig
Theatre artist
Founder Theatre Direct, Co-founder Roseneath Theatre.
Vivienne jones
Crafts person
Donna Flohil
The Arts in all forms are essential to the quality of our lives singlely and as a community and society.
Maryaleen Trafford
Supporter of the Arts
Michelle Roy
Actress/Writer
Actress/Actra Toronto Apprentice Caucus Member-At-Large
Joan Munn
Kari Romaniuk
I love the arts!
Luc Montpellier
Cinematographer, Film & TV
IATSE 667
Asli suna
My husband is a musician
Rhea Akler
Actor
Mick Brambilla
Arts Worker
UrbanArts
David Blackmore
Development & Communications Coordinator UrbanArts
Rachel Barclay
I work for TIFF and sit on the board for TOPS
TIFF & TOPS (Toronto Outdoor Picture Show)
Harley Haskett
Musician, visual artist and forever lover/supporter of the arts.
Rebecca Vandevelde
freelance arts worker in live performance
Lensa Simesso Denga
Working in the Arts sector
UrbanArts Toronto
Devon Wong
Writer
Sarah Mikhaiel
Dean Patrick Drouillard
Musician, artist
Hanan Hazime
Artist & Arts Instructor
Kiké Roach
Educator
Unifor Chair SJD at Ryerson
Louise Howlings
Arts educator and supporter
Teacher, YCDSB
Ian Radburn
Theatre technician
NASCO Staffing Solutions
Cate McKim
Multidisciplinary storyteller, arts blogger/supporter
Dorothy Manuel
Artist
The RAID Studio
Heather K Dahlstrom
Canadian Screen Award Best Motion Picture Nominee
Producer The XY Company
Kohen Hammond
Composer and recording engineer
Erika Wybourn
They enrich my life on a constant basis.
Carole Fischer
Visual artist and art teacher-living with a mental health disability
Katarzyna Rukszto
Lara Bulger
Arts worker; arts administrator
Documentary Organization of Canada
Judy Land
Supporter
Allie L Harvey
Community arts organization employee
ArtReach Program Manager
Rawan Abdelbaki
York University/ CUPE 3903
Trevor Schwellnus
Theatre Designer and Producer
Aluna Theatre
Tony Brutto
Supporter and Community Member
Janina Kiersnowski
filmmaker / dj / film fest programmer
Ekran Toronto's Polish Film Fest and
jasiakiersnowski.comSteven Dragert
musician/artist/performer/host
Gurbeen Bhasin
We are partners with the Queenwest Art Crawl and also do local artist markets to encourage people to support the arts.
Executive Director, Aangen: A Community Service Organization
Ally Nohos
Culture worker
Community Engagement Manager / Station Gallery
Megan English
Dancer/Choreographer/Therapist
David Macleod
Music event organizer
Promise Events
Jason Coombs
Poet
Mike Gibbs
DJ/Promoter
Box Of Kittens
AB BOLES
Dancer
A multitude of different venues
Lionel B.
Artist-Musician/Producer
Bekeliarts
Mike Olivo-Moore
A large part of my off work enjoyment comes from music, and visual art exhibits.
Erin K
Community arts organizer, writer, storyteller
Founder, Stories of Ours; Co-Founder, Dressed in Layers
Jacqui Arntfield
Artist + Arts Worker
Lakeshore Arts
Matt O'Connor
Community Arts Program Coordinator
Lakeshore Arts
Thomas Stoneman
Program Coordinator
Lakeshore Arts
Trisha
I am a frequent attendee at many cultural events in the city.
Ben Donoghue
Artist/cultural worker
Director- Media Arts Network of Ontario
Francesco Corsaro
I work in fundraising in culture
Milada Kovacova
Cultural Worker, Programmer, Filmmaker
Office Manager / Workshop Coordinator
Kiké Roach
Educator
Unifor Chair SJD at Ryerson
Lucie Pagé
Writer, Film and Television
Writers Guild of Canada
Daria Essop
Volunteer in youth arts organization
Street Voices
Sharon Zeiler
I enjoy arts and culture
concerned citizen
Sylvie Stojanovski
Emerging Artist, Creative Facilitator, Community Organizer
Toan Klein
artist
Kim-Lee Kho
Artist, creative business owner
See above
LeZlie. Lee Kam
Actor, storyteller
Youth/elders project- Buddies
Marcus Peterson
Artist
Katherine Bishop
Theatergoer, music lover, visual art enthusiast, film buff, reader, patron, artist, writer, mother of an actor and a lighting designer.
Jean Luc Blanchard
Supporter and musician
Andrea Nann
Artistic Director, Dance artist, choreographer, educator, mentor, community mobilizer
Dreamwalker Dance Company
Gordon Doctorow
Arts consumer.
Ed.D.
Jessica Hines
Terry Bujokas
Supporter of the arts and married to a sculptor
Nayani Thiyagarajah
Filmmaker, Producer, Working Artist
Vivien Endicott-Douglas
Actor
ACTRA Toronto & Equity
Lianne Spearman
Partner is a musician and visual artist, I am a lover of dance, music, visual art and student of belly dancer
Octavio Contreras
Artist/ Gallery Attendant
Kate Stone
Professional Musician
Stratford Festival
Anjli Patel
Lawyer
Anjli Patel Professional Corporation
Nicole Little
Citizen
Elizabeth Jackson Hall
Artist, Painter, Wunderkabinette, Jackson Hall gallery, Art 2B
Wunderkabinette, Jackson Hall gallery, Art 2B
Dorit Osher
Dance Artist
Public Displays of Art
Margaux Daly
film/fashion design
Dolly Cepeda Montufar
I work in the arts and culture sector
Intern / Canada Council for the Arts
Katarina Antunes
Collager, crafter, artist, writer
Annemarie Cabri
Teaching Artist, Dancer
Ali Berkok
Piano Instructor, Doctoral Candidate
University of Toronto
Lisa R
Supporter of the Arts (visual art, writing, film, music, dance, museums, galleries ...)
Nathaniel Hanula-James
Actor
Actor/Performer
Robert Biderman
Co-founder of large community choir
Common Thread Community Chorus
Dorothy Rusoff
Consumer and supporter of much culture especially music and theatre
Personal...former college professor
Gary Burrows
Consumer
NA
Jennie Ucar
I sing in a choir, attend concerts and theatre events
Echo Women's Choir
Jane Wigle
Community choir member & loudly clapping audience member
Architect, retired
Michael Barkley
Consumer
Celia Harte
arts lover, modest patron, choir member, theatre volunteer
Isabel Mazzotta
Community local artist/facepainter - paid
Community local artist/facepainter
Gary Burrows
Consumer
NA
Kamal
Part of a choir
Common Thread
Leah Holah
Independent Filmmaker
Jennifer Kervin
Patron/Friend/Community Member
Stephanie Vorstermans
Arts and culture lover and supporter
Betsy Anderson
Appreciator
Sarah Rafols
A supporter, patron and volunteer of local arts and culture organizations in Toronto
Robin Buyers
Community Worker Professor (retired)
George Brown Collegae
Mike Douglas
Arts service charity
Executive Director, Mississauga Arts Council
Bob Luker
Supporter
Civil Society
Martha Davis
Photographer, Filmmaker, Children’s Author
Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre; Proprietor, Hedgehog Books
Cassie Cao
Artist
Comedian
James Phelan
Plawright, Actor in Community Theatre;
Toronto Irish Players
Kate Chung
Mother & Grandmother of musicians, dancers, actors
Barbara Evans
Filmmaker
Associate Professor, York University
Amanda Sunderdas
Susan Jasper
Children's Canadian Literacy
Telling Tales
Monica Harhay
Board Member and chorister with Jubilate Singers and chorister with Common Thread Community Choir
Board Member Jubilate Singers
Dave Clark
Musician, Curator & Educator
Self Employed
Carole Pope
Singer songwriter JunoAward winner
Artist
Jena McLean
I’m an emerging artist in the theatre scene
Playwright
Courtney den Elzen
Reader & avid fan of Ontario Theatre, Art, film, and music
Dessa Harhay
Contributor and supporter
Dessa Harhay Creative
Isabeau Lewis
Hailey den Elzen
sewist and student
Arfa Butt
Merna Yousef
Artist. Patron.
Dina Catalucci
I am a textile artist and love all arts and culture
Desiree James
Dancer
Lucia Corak
Project Manager & Event Manager
Liam Skinner
Supporter and community member
m b
Izzy fadel
Alison pipe
infinate
the pipeline hamilton
Isabella Srock
Actress and performer
Johanna Figueroa
Teresa Wang
I am a musician
Freelance musician
Nimisha Assudani
Female
Angela Howard
Supporter/Community Member
Student
Chrys Muszka
Actor/Performer
Annie Kennedy
Chloe Perelgut
Arts and Culture Marketer
Innovate By Day
Tasha
Supporter, avid art enthusiast
Nicole Andrade
Supporter
Concett Masci
Educator
Toronto Catholic District School Board
Shannon Nocos
Graduate of OCADU and new student of the Culinary Arts
Shelby Burnell
Employed by it
Red Umbrella PR
Nathaniel Brown
Gillian Wynn
I AM AN ARTS STUDENT. STUDYING AT ONTARIO ART SCHOOL. WE ARE THE FUTURE
Photographer
Jing
I studied architecture and am connected to the arts and culture community through my own work with other creative folks and have many friends working hard in this sector.
architectural designer
Chelsea W
Hannah Charnock
Retired dancer
Serah Aloysius
Writer
Eldiana Begovic
Cultural Development Manager
Visual Arts Mississauga
Rea
Val cabrera
Baandhavi Yallabandi
Art student
Carleton University
Paula Reid
Nay Choudhary
Artshine In A Box
Artshine Inc
Emily Jagger
Student
University of Guelph
Britney-Anne Foster
Laura Honsberger
Accounts Manager @ Garment Manufacturer
Pigeons & Thread Manufacturing
Genevieve
I love art
Ecommerce
hayley r
Sabrina Speziale
Idalis Flores
Justine smith
Designer
437
Emma Gaudio
Jade Bucci
Teacher/Educator
Emma smyth
Supporter
Ralph C. Ortega
Film and TV producer
Independent
Sarah Giandomenico
Ashley KIM
Jerome Samuel
The art of Finance and Building healthy habits with money
The Connected Box
Ehren Lewis
Independent Electronic Musician
Mary-Beth
Nora Crete
A maker! Creatrix! Supporter!
Cedar Witch
Indiana Payne
Gallery attendant and arts and culture lover
Joshua Valdes
None
None
Samantha Lee
Art student
Student
Pablo Maldonado
I just enjoy the ways of art and their cultures.
Paige Moore
Supporter
supporter
Chloe Pretty
Reese Wilkins
Supporter
Angelina Greer
I’m an artist
aqeelah roberts
Charlotte MacIsaac
Marissa Surtel
Photography
Photographer
Amelia Ettinger
Katrina Macias
None
Rochelle Abramovitch
It’s my career and a lot of my friends careers.
Social media coordinator
Hannah
Dance artist
Jordan van Rassel
Shaylah Peterson
Anastasia
Marital Artist and influencer in Fitness and healthcare
Teamannieanimale
Julia-Ling Smith
Toni Harley
Stephanie Tzanis
street dancer and budding DJ
I currently train under Footnotes Academy
Kyra
Margaux Labossiere
Dancer - Emerging Artist
Freelance
Grant Duarte
Interior Designer
Jürgen Shantz
Freelance digital artist
None
Kat Lo
Lover and consumer of art
David Taller
Artist
Werda Tariq
Aprilyn Tompa
Janelle Domingo
Alexis Jeynes
Rebecca Caswell
Supporter of the arts and married to a musician
Designer
Natasha Emeljanow
Supporter of the Arts and Culture Industry
N/A
Tristan Lyford
Art Director and Advertiser
Laura Serafini
Appreciative spectator
Independent
Nedda Baba
Artist
claire sullivan
a young woman i know works with the arts and culture sdctor
unknown
Tara
Harman Shergill
Went as a kid
Simon Fraser Student association
Divine Escolano
Kirtan Kadia
Tyler Bangsund
Freelance theatre technician
Iatse 168
Katherine Carere
City of of Toronto Camp Location Coordinator and Playground Leader
City of Toronto
Lexy Carnegie
Thalia Fehr
Chelsey
Student
Shruthi Rajeswaran
Harinie Soori
None
Miss
Katie
Stevi Newman
Love
Love
Margarita Soria
Freelance dance artist
Alexandra Davis
I love to create and often frequent art shows
Miss
Mercedes
My culture is who I am. I am not going to let that get taken away, again.
Hannah Harrison
Wynne McGee-Harris
Went to an arts high school, passionate about the arts
student
Charles Eggeling
Corryn
Stephanie Lalonde
Masters in Theatre Studies, elementary drama teacher, director, writer
Tina Wegner
Meghan B
Danya A
Javien Linteau
Poet
Nicole Gamm
Andrew Sacchetti
Artist Community Platform
Co-Founder - Middle Men
Gabriella Kosmidis
Actor/Creator
Neha
Hien Vo
Art Student
Michael Cox
Actor/singer/songwriter
Jess
Teacher of art and music
Abena Mckenzie
Patron of the arts
Andrew Easterling
Theatre Student
Annabelle Pare
Jackie Cope
Follower
Frances Young
Bachelor of Arts in Dance from U of Winnipeg. Artist, dance advocate
Artist, danced
Rita kiapway
I enjoy the arts/ many family members are artists
Behaviour analyst
Lucie Stengs
Supporter
Dalhousie University
Shaelan
Musician
John B
Passionate person
Tim Kor
Student
University of Toronto
callia cavender
Charlotte Mangila
Health Care Provider
Nurse
Meghan page
Amarjit Kaur
Ingrid
I have friends who live near there and I think it’s important.
Morgan
Artist
Tony
Photographer
Megan
School, work, and much more
Danielle Marshall
Crafty allure
Crafty Allure
Matthew Puzhitsky
Tiffany Lao
Charlotte Stewart-Juby
Manage a music school, freelance singer, daughter of a choral director and arts administrator
Shabeen Raveendran
Designer
ShabeenV
Haylene
Supporting others
Abby
Sosa Student
Ms
Tanya Foster
Professional Artist and patron of the arts
Tanya Foster Art
Jasmine Choi
Illustrator and Fine Artist
Jasmine Choi Art
Andani Siala
Chris Trajkovski
Cook/Culinary Artist
Amanda Singh
Arts Administrator
Liam O’Reilly
An artist
N/A
Natalie Morning
Arts and Culture Enthusiast
Learning Strategy
Tanya
Cultured Canadian enjoying the Arts
Pauline Do
Ellen Lee
Tamzin Swanepoel
fateeha aftab
Member of society
Student
Alyssa Ramoutar
Siena Di Felice
Queen Kukoyi
I am a Mixed Media Digital Artist.
Queen Kukoyi
Natasha Bussoli
Paul Pietrkiewicz
Musician
josie nicholson
theatre arts student
Christine Fenton
Gicela tangarife
Writers
Writer
Simon Topa
Musician
Catherine margarit
Friends And musicians
Patti Field
Supporter
Rochelle Newton
Supporter of the Arts
Jocelynne Flor
Photographer
Jean cerilli
Teacher
SMCDSB
Lilianne Johanis-Bell
Student in the Department of Visual Arts University of Ottawa
Rob Pietrkiewicz
Sarah Coyle
Interest
Clemente Grassi
Italian drama director SMCS
Michael ManChoi Chow
Fine Art Photographer
Uptown Gallery Waterloo
Trisha Tolentino
I am a Filipino aspiring to be author and I enjoy makng art about my culture, my sexuality, and expressing other parts of my identity.
Aspiring author
Rebecca Mangra
I’m a writer.
Phillip D. Jakubowski
patron of the Arts
Tamara Haberman
Appreciate the vital importance of the arts.
Kale Wright
Kailee McArthur
Filmmaker
Kurstin wright
Arts and culture is apart of life
Jennifer Saundercook
Aspiring Mural Artist - Training to be an ( art ) Elementary School teacher
Lakehead University
Doug Merriman
Director, Event Operations
Artscape
Gabriel Gutierrez
Artist
Member Advisor at Artscape Daniels Launchpad
Claire Leighton
Arts Manager
Hub Manager, Artscape Youngplace
Lindsay Kwan
Creative Writer
Communications Manager, Artscape
Meagan Barnes
Assistant Manager of Events, Event Venue
Toronto Artscape Inc.
John Maize
Theatre Director
Changeup Theatre
Cathy Tafler
Arts lover
Doug Rylett
Architect & Arts Supporter
Allison Ouellette
Supporter of the Arts
Taghi Abdolhosseini
Student
Steps Dance Studio
Leah Oates
The arts make life more beautiful and meaningful always but especially in this COVID-19 pandemic.
Station Independent Projects
Jennifer Dzialoszynski
Artsworker
Actor
ANNE TAIT
movie producer, playwright, novelist, screenwriter
ANNE TAIT PRODUCTIONS
Laura gingrich
Performing arts and education
Alex Wesson
Photographer
Alex Wesson Photography
Bradley Vermunt
Screenwriter
Writer's Guild of Canada
Lynne Cormack
Actor
Constance Moore Gardner
Writer,Musician, former English teacher
Sasha Ballon
artist
ms.
Nyiri Karakas
Actor and Creator
Independent
Sarah Orenstein
Actress
Elsewhere Productions Inc
Cindy Cnockaert
Accommodations Supervisor
Stratford Festival
Scott Wentworth
actor/director
Robert Bockstael
Writer, actor, instructor
Corrine Koslo
Actress producer
A Case of You
Katherine Smith
i work in the sector.
Festival Director/Jazz Sudbury
Victoria G. Heart
Alexander Technique coach and Arts educator
Joanna McIntyre
was a theatre/tv director, presently a donor, consumer
owner of a small business
Andrea Marcelino
I am an artist
Director
Louise Guinand
Theatre designer
John Koensgen
Theatre Actor, Director, Producer and a Performing Artist in film and television
Laurie Koensgen
Poet, Culture Worker, Educator
Ainsley Woods
I am a Fibre Artist
WildwoodsFibreArt
Neta Rose
Actors & independent theatre producer
Christy Adamson
Actor/Singer/Dancer
Karen Hanan
BFA
Ivor Simmons
Lover and supporter of the arts
Committee, Friends of Cedarvale Park
Athena Reich
Artist performer
Athena Reich - actress and singer/songwriter
Ed Janiszewski
The Tollkeeper's Cottage, which Rob Ford helped inaugurate
Director, The Communiyt History Project
Stacie DaPonte
Photographer & Jewellery designer, avid supporter of local live music & indie comics
Tablö Creative
Nicolas Di Lollo
Former Co-Executive Producer for T.O. Webfest
Secretary, Uni-Rose Federal Riding Association
Julie Matheson
Performance Studies PhD Student
Marc J. Blouin
Freelance classical musician
Abaigeal Clark
Concert, museum, and gallery goer
Margaret Smith
Producer/Creator - Theatre, Film, TV
Sinking Ship Entertainment
Emma Tiffin
Set painter, BA studio art and theatre
Anastasia Coles
Photographer and art student at OCADU
Lise Creurer
Writer & Editor
barbara Sternberg
filmmaker
John Maclennan
Photographer and montage artist
Alexandria McDowell
Genevieve Fullan
Supporter of the arts
lo bil
Artist and PT Faculty at Sheridan College
lo bil, independent artist
Jesse Brossoit
Arts Worker
Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre
Stefan Harhay
Commercial Art Director
Gordon Yarley
Actor
Independent
Michelle Stelter
Handweaver and supporter of music, art and culture
Roberta and Benson
lover and supporter of the arts
Bernice Eisenstein
artist
Elaine Brindley
Patron
Elaine Brindley
Patron
Justin and Clara Speer
Petra O'Toole
Talent agent, Filmmaker
KIm Puil
Barbara Shore
The arts make life rich, beautiful and are integral to our economy. We need to support our artists.
Beverley Shukyn
Artist
Divy Puvimanasinghe
Young artist
Student
Anne G
Designer
At Random Designs
Emily Pettet
Theatre and dance artist in Toronto
Kimani Peter
Arts entrepreneurs
Founder/LOUD.army
Stephanie Agosta
Patron, enjoyer
Candice Irwin
Artist
Self employed
Emma Kerson
dancer
Gwendolyn Mitchell
Emerging dance artist
Fernanda Souza
Performance Production Student
Victoria Alton
I am a visual artist in the city of Toronto. I have also worked in photography and hold a diploma in digital photography.
Visual Artist ³
lilly turmel
artist/did musical theatre
Jessica Laforet
Photography
Samadhi Mora Severino
My parents
Anika Peter
Amanda Wand
Visual Artist
Jessica OReilly
Educator
Nicole Pulsinelli
Voter
Peter Mahoney
Shitty musician; slightly better DJ
Darkness Forever/Gelato Fun/Holy Spirit
Ben Wood
Community arts facilitator/musician, Sketch Working Arts, MNJCC and various organizations
Pauline Wei
I am an actor and a citizen of Toronto, a city that thrives on arts and culture.
Performing arts
Christabel Homewood
Art collector and avid theatregoer
Emma Letki
Past dancer
Student
Alyssa Ginsburg
Toronto Poetry Project
Sanchia Saha
I am a marketer who works frequently with the arts & culture community
Marketing professional
Cerys Williams
Michele LaPointe
Melissa Arruda
Visual artist
Stefanie Schopen
Supporter of Arts
Hannah Stevenson
Supporter
Rochelle Stultz
Arts Educator, Dancer, Actress, Performer
Head of the Arts Department, Dance Teacher, Independent
Raquel Aurini
I'm a painter.
Emma Westray
Theatre Producer and Administrator
Broadleaf Theatre & Paprika Festival
Laura Findlay
Visual Artist
Evalyn Parry
arts worker
Artistic Director, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Patrick Mullen
Film critic
Marisa Vest
Stage Manager - Cirque du Soleil (Dralion, Quidam, Toruk, Crystal, Axel)
Caroline Bell
Actor/Creator/Writer/Improviser - lover and performer of the arts
Blair Martin
Fine Artist & Musician
Independent
Louise Baldacchino
Teacher
TDSB
Hollie Stewart
Siblings are a musician / music teacher and a filmmaker/actor. My husband is a choral director. My daughter is an opera singer and admin in a music school and my son is a drummer. We have all devoted time, energy and money in support of the arts and reaped benefits 10 times over. We all believe the arts is the only area in which every aspect of our lives stands a chance of being reflected, no matter our age, station, beliefs, fears, strengths...
Alex Paxton-Beesley
Artist and Actor
ACTRA Toronto & Equity
Dustyn Wales
Artist
Equity Stage Manager
Candice Sand
Singer, Songwriter, and Recording Artist
Ulrika Englund
Dancer, Dance Teacher, Choreographer, Performer
Dance teacher The Guelph Academy of Dance
Karen Short
My eldest daughter is a dancer working on her BFA (Dance) at SFU.
Tania Ferreira
Dance School Owner
Elite Dance Corps
Cecile Thomas
Dance teacher - dance studio owner
Citrus Dance Inc
Christine Pereira
My daughters dance and all they want is to be back in their studio!
MaryAnne Bernardo
Part time poet
Samantha Selihar
Dance Educator and dance store owner
President, FreeStyle Dancewear
Melissa So
Owner and Director of a Dance Studio
So Dance Studios
Rita Pereira
Both my daughters are in dance
Aidan Desalaiz
I’m an actor
Stratford Shakespeare Festival 2020
Sonia Bianchi
Daughter is a dancer and I love art
Intervenor for individuals with deafblindness
Wally R Selihar
Grandchildren who dance
Retired Secondary School Principal
Billy Lake
Actor
Fil simoes manes
Daughter dance insructer
Freestyle dance wear store guelph
Aimee Vapsva
Dance Studio Owner, Dance Teacher, Choreographer
Ashley McKenzie-Barnes
Curator and Creative Director
CCO/Ashley McKenzie-Barnes INC.
Juro Kim Feliz
Composer, singer-songwriter, music educator, writer
Emily Williams
Dancer, dance teacher/choreographer, BFA dance student at York University
Senaa Ahmad
Hilary Selihar
I am a teacher and the arts is so important to students!
Teacher
Logan Wilson
My husband and I are both self employed creatives.
Clothing designer/producer and shoemaker
Laurie C
place of employment and theatregoer
Facility Manager
Michael Healey
Playwright
Umbereen Inayet
Artistic Producer
Deanne Moser
Art consultant
Deanne Moser
Damien Nelson
Comedy
Want and Able Arts Consulting
Liz Crawford
Designer
Monique
Dance teacher, parent of an artist
Etobicoke school for the Arts- Toronto Interplay Dance Toronto
Meghan Young
I’m a curator and facilitator.
Media/Curator/Facilitator
Angela Frawley
Teacher
TDSB
Meghan Young
I’m a curator and facilitator.
Media/Curator/Facilitator
Dorian Pearce
Dance Instructor, Sound & Lighting Technician for Live Events, Events Producer
Owner at Dpearceproductions
Anita Abbasi
Artist - Filmmaker
Writer/Director
Stephanie Hart
I work in the Arts & Culture industry
Audience Services & Volunteer Coordinator
Miranda Vardon
Admin worker at City cultural centres
City of Toronto Culture division
Mark Lavell
Film and theatre props/sets/ paint person
Props build
Umbereen Inayet
Artistic Producer
Brinean Crews
Christina Mandel
Shannon Joy Kosman
Writer and supporter of the arts
Olivia H
Brianna Chapman
Supporter
Kathryn Herron
I have been visiting Stratford Festival and assorted arts and culture events since I started high school and recently graduated from Carleton University’s English program with a Concentration in Creative Writing and a Minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies. I am looking to apply for a Master’s program in Arts Leadership and Culture Management. The decisions you make today will directly impact my future.
Graduate - Carleton U
Chloe Ho
Arts and Culture literally make up everyday of my life whether it’s through consumption of television shows, music, movies, books, website design, graphic design, etc. or through learning dance, instruments, tech art, etc.
Chelsea takalo
Arts education
Tdsb
Holly McNea
Consumer
Amelia Klatzke
My dad is an award winning painter, sculptor, and woodcarver, and my husband is an author
Lauren Hodgson
Annie Gibson
Publisher
Playwrights Canada Press
Puneet Dutt
donna g
Host/Producer, The More the Merrier (arts coverage)
CIUT 88.5 FM University of Toronto Campus and Community Radio
Gordon Gingras
Arts Worker
AGO
Jef Kearns
Musician
Nancy Savoie
Cinema Student
Nina Gandolfo
Visual artist
Chuck Dailey
Touring musician and stage production manager
I Mother Earth, David Wilcox, The Barenaked Ladies
Julianne Kelly
Supporter of artists
Gillian Turnbull
Writer
Ethnomusicologist and Instructor
Carrie Brothers
Child who is a dancer
Kevin Howley
Musician/Songwriter/Producer
Howley Sounds
Tawsha Murray
David James Allen
Songwriter, Performer
Razan Eseifan
Photographer and Student
Ryerson University
Jordan Peckham
Theatre Actor, Dancer, Singer, Film PA
Roz Hermant
I am a visual artist
Adrienne Ramsay
Theresa Martin
Patron of the Arts
Christian Anderson
I’m a Filmmaker and Writer
Little Drum Inc
Cael Milbourne
Kayla Lakhani
I’m an actor, writer, creator
Film/Television/Theatre
Lauren Vandenbrook
Actor, Director & Visual Artist
Susan lepp
Appreciation
Terri
Fan
All
Andrew Lauzon
Music producer, composer, performer
Audio Geek Music & Sound
Blair Kay
Mixed Media Creator and Patron
Self-employed
Alison Carson
Drama teacher, dancer and parent
HDSB
Don Scott
Musician, educator
Self-employed
Ashley Bailey
Teacher
Guidance Counsellor TMS School
Emma Cole
Copyeditor and proofreader in the publishing industry
Stet Editorial
Scott White
Performer/Writer/Director in the Arts in Canada
Self-Employed Artist
Laura Sorbara
Fibre artist
Myra Groenewegen
Art lover
Jennifer Tran
Musician, Educator — Classical Saxophonist
aksəs quartet, Dialectica Saxophone Quartet, Canada Music Academy
Susan Hay
I would like to say 'supporter', but truly it is the presence of arts and culture which support me through life.
Dr. Justin Massey
I am a saxophonist, composer, sound engineer, and teacher
Sam Kaplun
I’ve done musical theatre for many years and I also highly value the arts in general
Erika Morey
Theatre Artist, Board Member
Canadian Actor's Equity Association
Monica Rodriguez Knox
I am an actor/artist
Actor/Artist
Owen Kurtz
Musician and filmmaker
Chase Lo
interdisciplinary artist in dance/theatre
Mutant 101
Freelance Artist
mutant101.comJoshua Layton
I participate in arts and culture and many friends work in the sector
Audrey Clairman
Actor
Sherren Lee
Filmmaker
Sunday Afternoon Productions
Jasmin Mozaffari
I work as a filmmaker in Toronto.
Writer / Director for film and tv
Adam Bischoff
Employed as a graphic designer, previously worked for arts organizations and in the film industry
Graphic Designer/RallyRally
Dylan Dubé
Toronto based filmmaker
Simone Smith
Film & Television
Picture Editor
Lucy Hill
Actor, writer
Tricia Hagoriles
I’m a filmmaker based in Toronto with previous experience in post-production. My career wouldn’t be possible without the support of festivals and programs from the arts and culture sector.
Filmmaker
Caitlynn Fairbarns
artist
Candice Dixon
Film student
Student/Sheridan College
Sophie Paas-Lang
comic artist, illustrator, book designer
Luis De Filippis
Filmmaker
Fra Diavolo films
Emily Ryder
Film and television student
Student at Sheridan College
Getenesh Berhe
Actor
Jason Aita
Producer
Emma Doyle
Career long working artist and designer
Costume/ Fashion Designer
Annelise Hawrylak
Actor, musician,m
Contributor/indie arts coalition
Tea Nguyen
Bruna Nota
an keen patron
Donald Feldman
Bev Katz Rosenbaum
Author
Jody Berland
Professor, performer, collector, listener, fan
York University
Vera Santillana
friends and family in the arts, sister is a talent agent
PAMELA THOMSON
Patron
Sara Valade
Meghan Caine
Theatre performer, musician and creator based in Toronto
Joel Bartczak
Envious of anyone with musical talent
Janine Zend
many artist friends, husband was a multi media writer and artist writer
Shirley Bush
Have loved for a lifetime and am over 80
ROM and Art Gallery
Jennifer MacLachlan
Supporter
Terry Bujokas
Patron of the arts and wife of an artist
Jennifer Hicks
I study & teach creative movement to adults with dementia.
Artist, Dotsa Bitove Wellness Academy
Brenda MacIntyre
Indigenous Recording & Performing Artist, Motivational Speaker with disabilities
Medicine Song Woman Creations
Pudy Tong
Fine art printer
Open Studio
Chloe Crawford
It's my whole life
Mimi Mekler
Theatre artist
Lisa Hickey
Artist
Shayne Hontiveros
Freelance Editor / Assistant Editor
Isabel Martins
Theatre Arts Worker/Clay Artist
Ms.
Guillermo Verdecchia
Theatre-maker
Collette Radau
Performer/Dramaturg/Director/Artsworker
Sharon Zeiler
Consumer of arts and culture
Dorothy Lichtblau
Arts-based teacher; arts reviewer; writer
Founder Moon In June Productions
Kerry Potts
Audience member, former Arts Administrator and Producer
Ms.
Amanda Davis
Dance Artist and Dance Educator
Candida Paltiel
Filmmaker
Marny Gibson
Supporter
Retired Teacher
Kimberly Kay
Own a dance studop
Dimensions in Dance
Jim Gibbons
I have a sibling who is in the sector working for a living
Works independently
Randi Helmers
I am an actor, singer, painter and writer
Dots Bitove Wellness Academy
Bronwyn Best
An editor and theatre goer
Heiwa Business International
JAN MARRIOTT
Patron
Julia Armstrong
chorister, concertgoer, board member
Margarita Valderrama Medina
Actor, writer, producer
Freelance
Emily Dyck
Props Builder for Theatre and Film
Props Builder of Iatse 828, Full Member and Painter of Iatse 873, Permit
Maral Agnerian
Visual Artist, Costumer, and Dancer
Deborah Perry
I am a professional actor (also work as an admin assistant)
Aimee Bouchard
Arts administrator, artist educator, theatre creator
Sarah Yuen
Set and Costume Designer
Rachel Phan
Paige Madsen
Actor
Isabelle Ellis
Actor and Playwright
Alyssa Pothier
Actor, director, playwright. Co-Artistic director.
Panoply Classical Collective.
Charlotte Anderson
I am a patron of the arts
Jim Christiansen
Art Addict
Lindsay Jenner
Costume Designer
Liz Johnston
Writer and Editor
Brick magazine
James Arruda
I am a consumer of local arts
Leah Oates
Artist and Independent Curator
Director @ Station Independent Projects
Susan Wayne
Choir member, audience member, supporter
Elisabeth Shipman
Writer, performer, event coordinator
Tina Fushell
I am an arts worker
I am an independent dance artist, producer, teacher, maker and curator.
Kathleen Sullivan
patron
Rosemary Meier
Upper Canada Choristers; Tafelmusik;Tarragon theatre; textile museum; AGO; ROM
Supporter;participant;Grandmother
Robyn Breen
Independent dance artist / and Co-Artistic Director
Toronto Dance Community Love-In
Cherie Miller
Appreciate art
Ms
Michael Colin Jones
Performer
Elizabeth Ryerson
Patron
Margaret Smith
Appreciative member of audiences, subscriber to Soul Pepper