Ontario Arts Council calls for more northern participation

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The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is interested in cultivating northern Ontario perspectives, according to Aboriginal Arts officer, Denise Bolduc.

"I encourage more people to fill out our jury and advisor forms so they may participate in panels to ensure there's more of a voice for the north," she said.

Bolduc made the appeal during an OAC information session conducted at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation on Manitoulin Island. Painters, poets, sculptors, writers, carvers and even clowns gathered in M'Chigeeng First Nation to find out more about the agency's programs.

The OAC was created in 1963 to foster the creation of art for the benefit of all Ontarians.

Periodically OAC officers travel to remote and rural portions of the province to outline services and resources.

A broad range of artistic endeavours are supported by the OAC, including dance, theatre, literature, music, visual and media arts and touring. The budget from the Ontario ministry of Culture varies from year to year.

The agency uses artists and other arts professionals to assess grant applications, Bolduc said. "Through peer assessment, the OAC involves the arts community directly and ensures that grants are awarded with integrity, transparency and fairness."

Bolduc said more northern artists are needed for advisory panels and juries. People with a broad spectrum of knowledge in a relevant art form are invited to apply.

For more information contact dbolduc@arts.on.ca or call 1-800-387-0058. Programs are outlined at www.arts.on.ca