The York Region Arts Council (YRAC) has been awarded a $419,700 grant courtesy of the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Grow grant program. The grant will support the Artrepreneur program, a business accelerator program for artists, arts administrators and creative entrepreneurs. This marks YRAC’s largest funding ever for a single project.

“The riding of Newmarket-Aurora is blessed to have a thriving arts and culture community. As the Member of Provincial Parliament representing this area, I am thrilled the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of our government, has awarded the York Region Arts Council with a Grow grant for its Artrepreneur program — a program that supports artists across the region, and here at home.” — Chris Ballard, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora

Artrepreneur is a program designed to equip participants with the vital business skills needed for success across all arts disciplines and industries. The OTF Grow grant will be used to hire staff, increase the number of cohorts offered per year, launch an online learning platform and create new materials for participants. By incubating artists of all disciplines in one program, YRAC fosters collaboration and the sharing of ideas, tools, tips and best practices, resulting in a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to “make it” as a creative entrepreneur. Artrepreneur alumni have generated well over $1 million in revenues since the graduation of the first cohort.

“The impact of the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow grant will be momentous. With this funding, the York Region Arts Council and Artrepreneur program partners will be able to build on the success of the Artrepreneur program, an initiative that has already demonstrated significant impact on the lives of local artists and creatives.” — Samantha Wainberg, executive director of York Region Arts Council

Applications are open until Feb. 4 for the fifth cohort of Artrepreneur York Region, which will take place at the Georgina Arts Centre & Gallery.

For more information, visit www.yorkregionartscouncil.com