BELLEVILLE – The Ontario government is supporting the Belleville Downtown Blues Festival through an investment of $5,000 through the Ontario Arts Presenters Projects program this year.
The funding comes through the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, and it is intended to support good jobs, empower local artists, and help community arts and culture organizations thrive.
“Our government understands the important role the arts play in fostering dynamic and thriving communities across Ontario,” said Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte. “The Belleville Downtown Blues Festival will bring people into our community this September to hear top-notch blues performances, attend workshops, and patronize local businesses, all while supporting Gleaners Foodbank.”
Now in its third year, the Belleville Downtown Blues Festival is scheduled Sept. 5-6. It boasts programming that is 100-per-cent blues and 100-per-cent Canadian. Thanks to local supporters and this funding from the Ontario Arts Council, admission to all programs is free with an expectation that guests bring cash and food donations for Gleaners. Thus far, nearly $10,000 has been raised.
Carol Feeney, the festival’s co-founder and producer, welcomed the investment.
“We are delighted to have the support of the Ontario Arts Council, not only for the $5,000 in financial support, but also the recognition of Downton Blues as a successful volunteer organization employing musicians in our area and providing a fantastic annual event,” said Feeney.
Tony Vani, the co-founder and musical director, shared some insight on the 2025 event Tuesday.
“This year, we are focusing on some fabulous women, and our theme is truly ‘Women in Blues.’ From mainstage performers, to workshops, to Market Square, audiences are going to enjoy Maple Blues award-winning talent,” said Vani.
More information about performers and schedules can be found at downtownblues.ca.
The Ontario Arts Presenters Projects program grant is designed to maximize the positive impact of Ontario’s cultural sector in local communities throughout the province. It aims to develop audiences for the arts in Ontario’s regions outside of Toronto, and supports Ontario-based presenter organizations, ad hoc groups, and collectives led by volunteer community members, as well as municipalities, colleges and universities, to present professional artists in all OAC-funded disciplines and to offer associated audience engagement activities. The program is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting workers, businesses, communities and jobs in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
“Ontario’s arts and culture organizations enrich our lives and boost economic activity,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is crucial we support made-in-Ontario experiences that build stronger communities, strengthen local economies and celebrate our shared heritage. Our government is thrilled to provide the Belleville Downtown Blues Festival the funding it needs to continue its great work, complementing the creative endeavours of arts organizations across the province.”
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing in 34 arts organizations through the Ontario Arts Presenters Projects program.
- The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. It provides grants to Ontario-based individual artists and arts professionals, ad hoc groups, collectives and organizations, supporting a range of arts activities and disciplines.
- In 2023-24, OAC invested $53 million in 219 communities, in all 124 Ontario ridings through 2,133 grants to individual artists and 1,038 grants to organizations.