Today, the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of up to $480,000 to Nia Centre for the Arts, Canada's first multi-disciplinary professional arts space for Black artists and residents in Toronto.

“Nia Centre for the Arts will be Canada’s first dedicated arts hub for Black artists and residents in Toronto. The Government of Canada’s support will ensure the Nia Centre has the tools it needs to grow a vital community hub. These shared spaces are the heart of our neighbourhoods, and our government will continue to support increasing opportunities to celebrate and promote the cultural contributions of racialized communities in Canada. Together, we can continue to build a more resilient and inclusive economic recovery.”
- The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Supporting diverse and inclusive economic growth is critical as the Toronto Region prides itself for its vibrant, multicultural community hubs. Through investments in projects like the inspiring Nia Centre for the Arts, which supports, showcases and promotes an appreciation of the arts across the Afro-Diaspora, we are continuing to ensure that the Toronto Region is home to spaces that celebrate our diverse culture and their contribution to the economy.”
- The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Member of Parliament for Toronto–St. Paul’s

“Nia Centre plays an essential role in keeping Black Canadians connected to each other through arts programs, cultural events and community advocacy. Through this funding, we will have a much-needed outdoor space and be able to respond to our communities' need for accessible facilities. Investments in Black communities is an essential component in building a sustainable future for Canada. Nia Centre thanks the Government of Canada for its support.”
- Alica Hall, Executive Director, Nia Centre for the Arts

• Incorporated in 2010, Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization that supports, showcases, and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora.

• Nia Centre for the Arts has connected thousands of young people and emerging youth artists to mentors, creating opportunities to build transferable skills and employment.

• Once completed, the new facility will feature a 150 seat multi-purpose performance space, a digital media studio, a recording studio, an artist studio, youth space, event space, gallery space and co-working space, which will be available for community use.

• With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, to stimulate local economies, create jobs and bring people back to public spaces safely when health measures ease.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in 550 projects in the Toronto Region creating nearly 145,000 jobs and maintaining over 152,000 jobs.

Associated links

• Canada Community Revitalization Fund
• FedDev Ontario
• Nia Centre for the Arts

Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca

Allison Watson
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca

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Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca

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