The McGuinty government is boosting tourism and supporting cultural industries by investing $2 million to help develop the 2007 Toronto Festival of Arts, Finance Minister Greg Sorbara announced. Our investment will build on Toronto`s incredible cultural and creative renaissance and help enhance Ontario`s reputation as a world class cultural destination, said Sorbara. As the only arts festival of its kind in North America, this 16-day extravaganza of arts and creativity will help attract visitors from all over the continent.

The festival is expected to make a significant positive contribution to Ontario`s economic prosperity. Festival organizers, the Toronto City Summit Alliance, anticipate that 600,000 people from Ontario and around the world will attend, generating $100 million in visitor spending.

The province`s $2 million will be used to help develop the festival including:

• Building partnerships with local arts and community organizations



• Developing a marketing strategy



• Developing the festival`s program, including booking artists and venues

The Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity showcases Ontario`s vibrant arts and culture scene, said Caroline Di Coco, Minister of Culture. It gives artists and attractions around the province an opportunity to shine on the international stage and get the recognition they deserve.

The Festival will allow Toronto regional arts and cultural organizations to reach out to new audiences, increase their revenues and strengthen their sustainability by expanding their support base.

This investment is just the latest example of how the McGuinty government is on the side of Ontario families by investing in a stronger economy and supporting arts and culture. Others include:

• An additional $50.5 million to complete cultural infrastructure projects



• $5 million for cultural tourism marketing



• A $4 million Arts Education Partnership that matches funds raised by arts organizations from private sector donors