Celebrating Cultural Diversity Across Ontario

Ontario is officially proclaiming September 30 to October 2, 2016 as Ontario Culture Days, to recognize and celebrate cultural diversity across Ontario.

This annual province wide arts and culture celebration offers free, interactive cultural activities in every corner of the province. Ontario Culture Days celebrates Ontario’s diverse stories, including Indigenous peoples’ distinct identities, histories and cultures.

Nearly 200 communities take part, offering over 2,000 activities to get residents and visitors engaged in and excited about culture in Ontario.

“We’re thrilled to have the Ontario government officially proclaim Culture Days in Ontario. Alongside more than 20 flag raisings, proclamations, declarations and launch events at the community level, this provincial proclamation recognizes the significance of Culture Days as a celebration of all the creativity Ontario has to offer!”— Warren Garrett, Chair, Ontario Culture Days

Supporting arts and culture is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario’s history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
QUICK FACTS

  • Ontario Culture Days began in 2009 as a volunteer initiative to increase awareness, accessibility and engagement of Canadians in the cultural lives of their communities.
  • The culture sector adds more than $25 billion to Ontario’s economy each year and generates about 280,000 jobs.
  • In July 2016, the province launched its first Culture Strategy, promoting participation in arts and culture, building on the sector’s economic impact and helping Ontarians tell their stories and express themselves.