Reverance for Life vy Christi Belcourt for sale by Etobicoke Arts on its website.
Two local arts groups are among six who stand to receive almost $2 million in funding by the City.
Arts Etobicoke is slated to receive $425,000 and Lakeshore Arts almost $306,000 if recommendations by the Economic Development and Culture (EDC) is approved by City Council on May 22.
Also on the list are East End Arts, which will collect $226,000; North York Arts $300,000; Scarborough Arts with $310,000 and the UrbanArts Community Arts Council to receive $329,000.
It will cost the City some $1,897,494 if the grants are approved by Council.
Local work by Etobicoke Arts artists posted on their website.
“Local Arts Service Organizations (LASOs) are independent, not-for-profit, community arts organizations that deliver customized and responsive arts and culture programs, events and services at a local level in outside-the-core neighbourhoods across the city,” City Council was told.
The EDC said there are six LASOs and they promote cultural vibrancy, offering low-barrier, free and low-cost arts participation opportunities to communities across the city.
“The LASOs also provide critical support and capacity-building opportunities to local artists and arts organizations,” according to EDC.
Eighth Street park art featured by Lakeshore Arts.
The report said the funding recommendation is based on the 2023 financial and performance reports of the LASOs.
It said the LASOs provide essential arts services, working to meet identified community needs and deliver programs to serve artists, children and youth, seniors, newcomers, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour and equity-deserving community members.
Arts Etobicoke focuses on improving people’s lives through the arts,” according to its website. “We have developed an inclusive and creative community hub that is open to all people in West Toronto.”
Another piece of art featured for sale by Etobicoke Arts.
It said Arts Etobicoke is a place where everyone can freely express their art and culture through programs, exhibitions, workshops, events, classes, and professional development.
Lakeshore Arts said they are dedicated to engaging all peoples using multidisciplinary art forms as a way of enriching lives and strengthening Toronto’s communities.
“Lakeshore Arts is rooted in this community, and community support has played a vital role in sustaining us as an organization,” the agency said on its website. “Community arts programs strengthen and enrich Toronto’s communities.”