Ontario Boosting Arts and Culture in York Region

August 15, 2025

New $8,500 Investment Will Support Jobs and Amplify the Impact of the Local Arts and Culture Sector

August 15, 2025

Markham-Unionville – The Ontario government is supporting Markham-Unionville through an investment of $8,500 to support good jobs, empower local artists and help community arts and culture organizations thrive.

The ME & Lau Family Foundation will receive $8,500 through the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. The announcement was made by Billy Pang, MPP of Markham-Unionville.

“Our government understands the important role that the arts play in fostering dynamic and thriving communities across Ontario,” said Billy Pang. “This support will help York Region’s artists and arts organizations continue to make a positive impact on our economy, create good jobs and draw more visitors to our community.”

The Music Production and Presentation Projects program grant is designed to maximize the positive impact of Ontario’s cultural sector in local communities throughout the province. The program supports the development and presentation (both live and virtual) of all genres of music by Ontario-based progressional musicians, organizations and associations. Supported activities include rehearsal and repertoire development, single performances/concerts, concert series, music festivals, opera productions and second-stage opera workshops. In York Region, this funding has helped the ME & Lau Family Foundation to present an exhibition in Markham with Chinese orchestral music, dance and art, featuring individuals with developmental disabilities.

The funding is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting workers, businesses, communities and jobs in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty, while creating a solid foundation for a strong, resilient and competitive future.

“Ontario’s arts and culture sector plays a vital role in enriching our lives and driving economic growth,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is crucial we invest in homegrown experiences that foster pride in our communities, strengthen local economies and celebrate creative excellence. Our government is pleased to provide the ME & Lau Family Foundation with the funding it requires to thrive in York Region and inspire other arts organizations across the province.”

Building on this support, Edward Lau, Founder of ME & Lau Family Foundation, further highlighted how the grant would directly impact the foundation’s signature event. “We are pleased to have received the Music Production and Presentation Projects program grant of $8,500 from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. This grant will further equip ME to continue hosting our signature event: ME String Music Art Exhibition. Through this exhibition, we leverage the strength of our ME orchestra to inclusively enhance the participation of people with intellectual disabilities and fellow Ontarians in Markham-Unionville.”

Quick Facts:

Ontario is investing in 26 arts organizations and seven individual artists through the Music Production and Presentation 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, organizations and associations, supporting a range of arts activities and disciplines.

In 2024-25, OAC invested $52.2 million in 204 communities across 123 Ontario ridings, providing 1969 grants to individual artists and 1,030 grants to organizations.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Conni Fung, Executive Assistant
Office of MPP Billy Pang
billy.pang@pc.ola.org
905-474-3288