Item - 2021.EC25.2
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on November 9, 10 and 12, 2021 with amendments.
- This item was considered by the Economic and Community Development Committee on October 21, 2021 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on November 9, 10 and 12, 2021.
EC25.2 - Cultural Festivals Funding Program
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on November 9, 10 and 12, 2021, adopted the following:
1. City Council approve the establishment of the Cultural Festivals Funding Program, substantially in accordance with the City of Toronto Cultural Festivals Grant Program Guidelines in Attachment 3 to the report (October 6, 2021) from the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, with implementation commencing in 2022, as amended by Part 2 below.
2. City Council amend the maximum allowable contributions in each of the festival funding streams so that:
a. multi-year operating applicants are eligible to receive up to $650,000 annually;
b. annual operating applicants are eligible to receive up to $150,000 annually; and
c. project applicants are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per project.
3. City Council amend the eligibility of project applicants, in addition to Business Improvement Areas and culturally mandated organizations, to include incorporated not-for-profit community organizations who wish to partner with unincorporated individuals or collectives who are producing a community festival.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-171735.pdf
(June 29, 2021) Attachment 1 - City of Toronto Cultural Festival Grants Program Engagement Summary
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-171756.pdf
Attachment 2 - Comparative Research Report for a Cultural Festivals Grant Program (July 2021)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-171757.pdf
(September 7, 2021) Attachment 3 - City of Toronto Cultural Festivals Grant Program Guidelines
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-171758.pdf
Communications (Committee)
Motions (City Council)
That:
1. City Council amend the maximum allowable contributions in each of the festival funding streams so that:
a. multi-year operating applicants are eligible to receive up to $650,000 annually;
b. annual operating applicants are eligible to receive up to $150,000 annually; and
c. project applicants are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per project.
2. City Council amend the eligibility of project applicants, in addition to BIAs and culturally mandated organizations, to include incorporated not-for-profit community organizations who wish to partner with unincorporated individuals or collectives who are producing a community festival.
EC25.2 - Cultural Festivals Funding Program
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:
1. City Council approve the establishment of the Cultural Festivals Funding Program, substantially in accordance with the City of Toronto Cultural Festivals Grant Program Guidelines in Attachment 3 to the report (October 6, 2021) from the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, with implementation commencing in 2022.
Origin
Summary
The purpose of this report is to recommend the program objectives, guidelines and impact framework for a new Cultural Festivals Funding Program to support and increase the accountability and transparency of City funding to cultural festivals. The City of Toronto has long provided operating support to major, City-wide cultural festivals, but there is a growing need to also support a newer generation of festival producers from a wider geographic area, and from more recently established communities. These festivals provide residents and visitors with opportunities to engage with our shared cultural and artistic expression of Toronto's diverse community.
The proposed program has been developed in consultation with stakeholders and communities seeking City support. The proposed program meets Economic Development and Culture's commitment to grant reform; to increasing access by diverse cultural communities; to increasing support for activities outside the downtown core, and is part of the Division's overall development of a festival and events strategy for cultural, social and economic development.
A stakeholder engagement summary report outlining the consultations undertaken to develop the program is attached as Attachment 1. A comparative research report informing program design is included as Attachment 2, and recommended program guidelines are included as Attachment 3.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-171735.pdf
(June 29, 2021) Attachment 1 - City of Toronto Cultural Festival Grants Program Engagement Summary
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-171756.pdf
Attachment 2 - Comparative Research Report for a Cultural Festivals Grant Program (July 2021)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-171757.pdf
(September 7, 2021) Attachment 3 - City of Toronto Cultural Festivals Grant Program Guidelines
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-171758.pdf
Communications
Speakers
Carol Baker, Birkdale Arts Festival
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam