The Government of Canada is investing in renowned training programs that equip musicians to thrive creatively and practically

"The Brott Music Festival is a striking example of how the Canada Arts Training Fund supports arts training in Canada. By encouraging artistic excellence and offering young musicians the opportunity to develop their skills, it is also an opportunity to showcase their incredible talent. Their dedication to their art and training makes us proud."

—Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“For over three decades, the Brott Music Festival has been a key contributor to the Canadian music scene and to the professional development of talented Canadian artists who enrich our lives and contribute to our economy. With this funding, we are ensuring that the next generation of professional artists continues to benefit from the resources and opportunities they need to hone their craft, explore their creativity, and reach their full potential.”

—Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“The Brott Music Festival has enriched all of Hamilton with colour, culture and vibrancy for the past 36 years. This funding ensures Boris Brott’s vision – to bring music to every corner of our city – will continue to flourish, well into the future.”

—Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain

“The City of Hamilton is known for its rich arts and cultural vibrancy in all genres. The Brott Music Festival has been integral to Hamilton’s arts scene for over 30 years and continues to be one of Canada’s largest orchestral music festivals. Its National Academy Orchestra of Canada and BrottOpera programs have seen hundreds of artists graduate and have their talents amplified internationally. Thank you to the federal government for their contribution through the Canada Arts Training Fund that will support emerging artists on their paths to becoming the next generation of professional artists.”

—Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton

“The Canada Arts Training Fund through the Department of Canadian Heritage has continued to be integral to the success of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada for the past 35 years. Over 1300 musicians have graduated into performers, educators and artistic entrepreneurs around the world. The National Academy Orchestra of Canada’s ideals align perfectly with the Canada Arts Training Fund’s commitment to high artistic quality, mentorship, diversity and national pride. We are especially proud to run this national program right here in Hamilton.”

—Ardyth Brott, Executive Director, Brott Music Festival

• The Canada Arts Training Fund (CATF) supports arts training in Canada. It provides financial support for the ongoing operations of Canadian not-for-profit arts organizations that specialize in training artists for professional national or international artistic careers, at the highest levels.

• The CATF supports Canadian institutions that deliver nationally significant arts training of the highest quality that attracts talent from across all regions of the country and from abroad. The Fund directs its resources to organizations that have the greatest positive impact on the lives of Canadians. This includes supporting training of youth and Indigenous, racialized and other equity-deserving groups.

• Budget 2022 announced an ongoing increase of $5 million annually to the CATF, phased in over three years with the primary policy priority of addressing historical inequities in funding for Indigenous, racialized and other equity-deserving training schools. Since 2009, the CATF has had an annual contributions budget of $22.8 million.

• The Brott Music Festival, founded in 1987, is one of the largest orchestral music festivals in Canada. It presents annual classical, jazz, Broadway, chamber, rock, pops, multidisciplinary, and education concerts in the greater Hamilton area. The festival also offers two professional music training programs: the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and the BrottOpera.

Associated links

• Canada Arts Training Fund

For more information (media only), please contact:

Laura Scaffidi
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
laura.scaffidi@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca