SCCIP funding continues to support arts and culture sector post-pandemic

The City of St. Catharines continues to offer ongoing supports to help strengthen and build the arts and culture sector locally.

At its June 27 meeting, St. Catharines City Council approved $302,850 in St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) funding, with $10,000 going to 14 applicants for the Culture Days Activity Program; $284,850 being allocated to nine organizations through the Sustaining – Core, Festival and Midsized Program funding; and $8,000 awarded to two applicants through the Arts Development Program.

“Every year, SCCIP investments helps to cultivate the growth and development of the creative sector, fostering participation in arts, heritage, and cultural experiences, and communicating the experiences and value of culture to St. Catharines residents,” said Phil Cristi, Director of Community, Recreation and Culture Services.

Funds from the Culture Days Activity Program will support activities created for Culture Days which is held annually in the fall. The nation-wide annual event promotes free access to arts, heritage and culture experiences and is aimed at promoting engagement to a broad audience. The 14 applicants will help build momentum for the event, which last year saw nearly 200 events hosted online and in person across the City – putting St. Catharines at the top of national rankings. Successful applicants will offer diverse experiences throughout the City.

The Sustaining Funding programs support St. Catharines-based, professional non-profit arts organizations with a mission to develop, create, produce and deliver their work to the community. The overall investment in the nine organizations provides the most significant economic return of all SCCIP funding, generating full-time, part-time and contract jobs, and the staff and volunteers of these organizations provide a foundation to the cultural sector that serves cultural sustainability through a wide variety of partnerships and contributions.

This funding announcement is for the first two rounds of SCCIP with another intake on September 22. Details on the SCCIP funding programs, eligibility, applications, and more can be found at www.stcatharines.ca/SCCIP.