I want to remind our Ontario presenters that the Ontario Arts Council is there as a huge help to NEXUS and YOU. The OAC’s Touring Office has helped NEXUS and our Ontario presenters with expenses many times over the years. With the Council’s touring aid NEXUS has been able to visit all parts of the province. If you are an Ontario presenter and would like to invite NEXUS to come to your venue, please get in touch with us. For example, NEXUS performed at three summer festivals last year, is going to Orangeville, Ontario next week, and will visit the University of Windsor and the Windsor Symphony in the Fall, all thanks to the aid of the Ontario Arts Council. In the 2005/2006 Season, the OAC helped with tour dates at three other Ontario festivals, several dates north of Lake Superior, and a visit to Lindsay Ontario.
The Ontario Arts Council has been helping the Ontario arts community for over 40 years. In addition to their touring help, which is essential in a province of the size and breadth of Ontario, OAC also helps fund arts education, Aboriginal arts, art service organizations, presenters, festivals, community arts, crafts, dance, Franco-Ontarian arts, literature, media arts, multidisciplinary arts, theatre, and visual arts, and of course musicians and music groups such as NEXUS. The Council also oversees a number of arts awards and helps with international activities that will raise the profile of Ontario artists and arts. It’s a huge mandate! In 2005-2006, OAC funded 1,268 individual artists and 836 organizations, in 253 communities across Ontario. Not only that but the OAC is directed by twelve VOLUNTEER board (council) members, who are appointed by the Government of Ontario for a three-year term (and may be re-appointed for one additional term). Where would the Arts be without our Volunteers, at all levels!
To find out more about the OAC and their granting programs, visit their website. You can also sign up for or read online the OAC’s free newsletter called Arts Connect.
Thanks, OAC!
