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News Release - Santa’s little helpers! City of Toronto supports 81 festivals and special events with more than $1.6 million in funding

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release

November 18, 2024

Santa’s little helpers! City of Toronto supports 81 festivals and special events with more than $1.6 million in funding

Christmas came early for 81 local festivals and special events which have received funding through the City of Toronto’s Special Events Stabilization Initiative (SESI), totalling more than $1.6 million. Toronto’s festivals are critical to the city’s vitality, prosperity and livability and provide significant economic benefits to local business.

SESI helps cover essential health, safety and security expenses including policing, traffic management and insurance. With these costs steadily rising, SESI supports the success of community-driven events across Toronto.

For the first intake, 81 eligible organizations were approved for funding. Notable events benefiting from SESI support include The Original Santa Claus Parade, Toronto Pride Festival, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Salsa on St. Clair, Luminato in the Square, JerkFest Toronto and the Toronto Jazz Festival, among others.

Special Events Stabilization Initiative supporting festivals and special events

Launched in August, SESI was developed as a one-time program providing financial relief to address rising health, safety and security costs and support festivals to remain safe and successful.

Aligned with Culture Connects: Toronto’s New Action Plan for Culture, which aims to strengthen the city’s cultural landscape and sustain its vibrant arts and cultural sector, this initiative supports organizations in delivering unique programming that enhances both cultural vibrancy and economic impact.

SESI grants cover up to 50 per cent of total spending on eligible expenses, up to a pre-determined maximum based on each festival's budget. This support ensures that Toronto’s events can thrive and continue to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.

Earlier this year, the City allocated $2 million to fund SESI and $1,641,076 has now been awarded through the first call. The second application intake closes on Monday, November 18 and eligible applicants will be contacted in the coming weeks.

More information on SESI, eligibility criteria and the application process is available on the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/grants-incentives-rebates/arts-culture-grants/special-events-stabilization-initiative/.

More information about Culture Connects can be found on the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/long-term-vision-plans-and-strategies/action-plan-toronto-culture-sector/.

Quotes:

“Toronto’s festivals and events bring people together, celebrate our diverse cultures and make our city a vibrant place to live and visit. Through SESI, we’re helping organizations thrive and continue their work in building and strengthening our communities. Many of these events are beloved Toronto traditions where people and families create memories and it’s wonderful to see so many local festivals supported in this first round.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow

“The interest and response we received for SESI’s first intake is a testament to the importance of supporting Toronto’s festival and event organizers. These funds are a vital resource for our cultural festivals, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed and continue sharing Toronto’s rich diversity with residents and visitors. I’m thrilled to see the positive impact SESI is having on our communities.”
– Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Mayor’s Economic Development & Culture Champion

"We are deeply grateful to the City of Toronto for supporting us with this SESI grant. The Original Santa Claus Parade represents a beloved longstanding tradition that has survived for generation upon generation. It attracts people from all backgrounds, faiths and that sense of togetherness is palpable. Thank you for helping to keep this cherished city hallmark alive.”
– Clay Charters, President & CEO, The Original Santa Claus Parade

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto. 

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Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca

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