Canada’s artists, creators, and cultural entrepreneurs play a central role in the country’s creative economy, enriching communities and strengthening cultural identity. Recognizing their importance, Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, announced $530,000 in funding for three performing arts and festival organizations in the Ottawa region on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture. This support is provided through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF), which helps arts presenters and organizations professionally present festivals and performing arts series while supporting their development and sustainability.
The funding will benefit Folk Canada, the Ottawa Children’s Festival, and the Ottawa Jazz Festival. Folk Canada, the nation’s largest organization devoted to folk, roots, and traditional music, will receive $100,000 to support its annual conference, peer sessions, and year-round professional development seminars. The Ottawa Children’s Festival will receive $130,000 to deliver a multi-day festival that provides creative, safe spaces for children to explore themselves, their perspectives, and the world around them. The Ottawa Jazz Festival will receive $300,000 over two years to continue its ten-day celebration of musical diversity, showcasing artists from across Canada and internationally.
The Government of Canada emphasizes that investing in arts and culture strengthens community engagement, fosters local talent, and supports economic growth. These festivals not only enrich Ottawa’s cultural life but also create opportunities for artists, educators, and audiences, helping to ensure that professional artistic experiences are accessible to all. Budget 2025 also committed $46.5 million over three years to the CAPF to continue supporting arts and culture nationwide.
Representatives from the funded organizations highlighted the impact of this support. Folk Canada noted that CAPF funding enhances their ability to provide year-round support, professional development, and long-term sustainability for live performance communities. The Ottawa Children’s Festival emphasized that funding allows them to present high-quality performances to tens of thousands of children and families, enriching education and community engagement. The Ottawa Jazz Festival expressed gratitude for the stability the funding provides, enabling the presentation of world-class performances, support for emerging talent, and continued accessibility for audiences.
Overall, this investment demonstrates Canada’s commitment to fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector, ensuring that communities have access to diverse artistic experiences while supporting professional artists and cultural organizations in building sustainable, long-term creative careers.
