Five local festival and event organizations are getting a cut of $43 million in festival grants to help them deliver innovative and safe experiences that allow people to safely reconnect with their communities.
In Collingwood, a single event made the list:
— Creative Collingwood – Unusual Passageways, Collingwood, $88,750;
The Barrie-area recipients are:
— The annual Barrie Film Festival, which presents unique films year-round, is getting $23,500;
— The Bees in the Bush Festival Barrie, presented by Talk is Free Theatre, is getting $95,000. It features 12 productions from Aug. 3 to Oct. 3 at outdoor locations;
— Hello Winter Barrie was launched instead of Winterfest and features a series of Family Day activities. It was awarded $120,000;
— The Back To Burl's Creek Summer Concert Series, presented by Boots and Hearts festival which kicks into gear this weekend, has been granted $250,000;
— Dinner a La Art, presented by Talk Is Free Theatre, gets $95,000 for its pairing of online readings with dinner at a participating local restaurant.
The one-time funding through the Reconnect program was developed to help festival and event organizers adapt to new public health measures with virtual, drive-thru and other safe offerings.
Across Ontario, more than 400 festivals and events are receiving provincial government support.
Elsewhere in Simcoe County, grant were also awarded to:
— 74th annual Winterama, Penetanguishene, $21,500;
— Carrot Fest, Bradford West Gwillimbury, $5,000;
— Mariposa Satellite Concerts, Orillia, $50,000.
For a full list of grant recipients, click here.
