Kawartha Lakes Arts Council launches Creative Futures Grant program to support local artists

Kawartha Lakes, September 1, 2026 - The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC), the official Community Arts Council for the City of Kawartha Lakes, is excited to launch the Creative Futures Grant Program, a new funding opportunity designed to support artists as they develop their creative practices, explore new ideas, and take their next creative steps.

The program will provide two $500 grants to artists at different stages of their creative journeys. The Youth Stream is available to individual artists aged 16-25, while the Artist Stream is available to individual artists aged 26 and older, as well as eligible organizations.

Applicants must be current Members of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council to apply. Individual artists from Kawartha Lakes and surrounding communities are welcome to apply, while eligible organizations must be based or operating within the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Funding can be used to support a range of creative goals, including developing new work, exploring new materials or techniques, pursuing professional development, or bringing a creative project to life.

“The Creative Futures Grant is something we’ve envisioned for a long time. As a young artist who received a local student bursary when I was heading into post-secondary, I know firsthand how meaningful that kind of support can be when pursuing your creative goals. I hope this grant can provide that same encouragement to young artists, while also supporting established artists who are looking to expand their practice or explore a new direction. This is just the beginning, and I’d love to see the program grow in the future so we can make an even greater impact supporting the arts in our community.”

– Christina Patton, Communications & Events Coordinator, Kawartha Lakes Arts Council

Applications for the Creative Futures Grant Program are now open.

Learn more and apply: kawarthalakesartscouncil.com/grant

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Investing in the Future of the Arts

The Creative Futures Grant Program is made possible through the generous support of our Community Partners, whose funding helps create meaningful opportunities for artists and strengthen Kawartha Lakes’ creative sector.

We are proud to recognize the Kawartha Art Gallery, City of Kawartha Lakes, IG Private Wealth Management Mabee & Associates, and Infinity Fine Homes for their support of the local arts community. Their commitment helps initiatives like the Creative Futures Grant flourish, giving artists opportunities to develop their practices, pursue new ideas, and contribute to a thriving creative community.

Community sponsorship plays an important role in making opportunities like Creative Futures possible. Support from local businesses and organizations helps KLAC invest in artists, deliver arts programming, and create new opportunities for creativity to flourish.

KLAC is currently offering annual sponsorship opportunities for those interested in supporting the arts and initiatives like this one.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities: kawarthalakesartscouncil.com/sponsor

Opportunities like this are made possible thanks to our Community Partners.

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The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC) promotes awareness and appreciation of arts and culture in Kawartha Lakes. We are committed to a diverse approach to creative expression in all of its forms. We serve our community by advocating for a thriving creative sector, providing robust marketing opportunities for our members, and fostering professional development and training. We connect all stakeholders and investors in collaboration to discover and reveal our culture through the arts.

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Media Contact:

Christina Patton

Communications & Events Coordinator

Kawartha Lakes Art Council

kawarthalakesartscouncil@gmail.com

Connect:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KawarthaLakesArtsCouncil

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kawarthalakesart