Creative County Grant Program

2021 Creative County Grant Program

The Creative County Grant Program invests in new and innovative projects that build cultural capacity, strengthen the creative community, define the County's unique identity and enrich the quality of life of all residents.

In response to the pandemic, Lambton County will be adapting its annual Creative County Grant Program to support cultural organizations and events that demonstrate innovation in adapting programs and activities to pandemic restrictions and public health guidelines.

The Creative County Committee will adjust its application criteria for the 2020-21 grant period to allow for the reimbursement of expenses to meet safety requirements that allow cultural events to proceed, or support innovative approaches to ensuring the safe re-opening of cultural destinations.

Under the grant program, the County will provide matching funds for new initiatives, or provide 50% reimbursement of expenses incurred (with proof of purchase) retroactive to April 1, 2020. Eligible expenses include:

• Technology related expenses to support digital engagement or contactless experiences;
• Expenses related to physical distancing measures implemented at cultural sites and events (signs, plexiglass barriers, etc.)
• Expenses related to innovation in program delivery in response to the pandemic;
• Expenses related to other requirements outlined in ‘A Framework for Reopening our Province’

Applications are now closed for the 2020-2021 funding year.

Available funding

For the 2021 intake, $37,500 in funding is available for the Creative County Grant Program to support the priorities noted above in responding to the pandemic.

As a guideline, the Creative County Committee will make up to $5,000 in funding available in 2021 for each of four County quadrants:

• Central Lambton (Petrolia, Enniskillen, Point Edward, Oil Springs)
• South Lambton (St. Clair, Dawn-Euphemia, Brooke-Alvinston)
• North Lambton (Lambton Shores, Plympton-Wyoming, Warwick)
• Sarnia

The remaining $17,500 is available for projects that demonstrate cultural benefit for all areas of Lambton County.

Objectives

The objectives of the program respond to Building a Creative Economy: A Cultural Plan for Lambton County and the overall intent of the Creative County Committee (CCC) to:

• Nurture creativity and imagination through arts, culture and heritage projects;
• Promote innovation and support new, dynamic efforts in the creative community;
• Develop unique cultural resources that enhance the health and vitality of our communities;
• Support the development of new audiences;
• Encourage inclusion and celebrate diversity through our rich creative community;
• Foster creativity by encouraging collaborative partnership; and
• Promote culture as a key component of economic growth and quality of life.

Building community partnerships

The Cedar Point II Wind Power Project donated $200,000 to the Creative County Grant Program. This significant investment provides additional opportunities for all of Lambton County, starting in 2017.

The Cedar Point II Wind Power Project is committed to building partnerships that foster the cultural capacity of our community. Through the newly formed partnership with the County of Lambton Creative County Grant Program, Cedar Point II Wind Power Project is committed to strengthening the creative community and expanding the capacity to innovate through arts and culture.