KENORA – Art is fundamental. At its base, art provides us with feelings of shock, awe, and a sense of wonder and amazement. But, to look at a wood carving, woven tapestry, or graffiti on an old building, art tells many stories.
This is why it is important to recognize to work LOWAC put into the world to foster those artists whose imaginations not only show us the beauty of the world around us but also share the story of what it means to be human.
After a troublesome three years of lockdowns and social distancing, artists had the time to create, however, as much as it is fun to craft a new piece, the artist’s final journey is to show the community their art.
Therefore, LOWAC is focused on rebuilding and recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, by using the grant they received earlier this year to hire two freelance program coordinators to help build a community of artists through their many mentorship programs, workshops, and marketplaces.
“We were thrilled that our application to the Resilient Communities Fund was successful,” said Leanne Fournier, Chair, LOWAC. “Making the arts accessible to everyone has always been a priority.”
The non-profits’ ability to provide a safe space for aspiring and seasoned artists alike was challenged significantly by the pandemic.
Hosting public events, not only show off the artist’s hard work but also attracts new members and volunteers to the organization.
“So many of our local artists have felt the financial impacts during COVID,” added Fournier. “If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that the arts play an essential role in helping people through difficult times.”
ARTSFEST 2022 took place last weekend, July 22 and 23, and ran in partnership with The Muse – Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre. The OTF grant was a much-needed asset to ensuring that this event was possible.
“Our members have told us that bringing artists and the community together is what they want to see, so we were grateful ARTSFEST could happen this summer with help from OTF,” said Fournier.
The two-day event featured free admission and included an artists’ showcase, demonstrations and art sales, live performances and presentations, a Kids Zone, face painting, collaborative art projects and more.
LOWAC’s Facebook page live-streamed the entire event to reach an even larger audience beyond the Lake of the Woods.
“This investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to assist LOWAC continue its activities on the heels of a two-year pandemic is great news for many in our community,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. “There are many who will benefit, and it helps to ensure that the arts remain alive and accessible for all.”
In addition to covering the bulk of expenses for the two-day event, the funding from OTF made it possible for LOWAC to pay honorariums to all presenters and performers, which was a priority.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Since 2020, OTF has supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
Visit otf.ca to learn more.
