New PEC Arts Fund Launches to Support
Arts Organizations and Enrich Our Cultural Sector
The County Foundation is thrilled to announce the establishment of the PEC Arts Fund which will support the work of organizations that have a stated organizational mandate to provide services, programs and amenities in the realm of the arts (various fine and applied art forms including but not limited to visual, performing and performance, literary, media and decorative arts).
Throughout 2024, the Municipal Community Grants program went through an extensive review process, and local supports for the arts sector were analyzed in partnership with the Municipality, The County Foundation, and the Prince Edward County Arts Council (County Arts) to find a mechanism that could be leveraged to better support the arts in our community.
As a result, the PEC Arts Fund has been established and will be supported by a maximum of $50k in funding per year in 2025 and 2026 from the Municipality’s share of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) as part of a two-year pilot. The County Foundation is contributing $25k in seed funding to establish this new fund. As part of their advocacy work, County Arts identified that $200k in base funding would be needed to meet the needs of local arts organizations, and so in order to help close the funding gap and to leverage the MAT funding from Council, the new PEC Arts Fund will also welcome external donations through The County Foundation, enabling local businesses and individuals to support the arts in our community.
There will be an annual open call for applications, and grants will be adjudicated in a transparent and fair process by a committee of volunteers. The County Foundation currently has an open call for adjudicators, and they are seeking individuals with experience in one or more areas of the arts, and who are knowledgeable about our local arts sector.
The maximum grant size that can be received is $15,000. Grant funding from the PEC Arts Fund may be used for general operating expenses, special projects, capacity building projects (such as strategic planning, organizational development), events or new programs (seed funding, pilot projects etc.).
The County Foundation will be accepting grant applications to the PEC Arts Fund from February 10th to March 24th 2025. Full details on eligibility and how to apply are available here.
Call for Adjudicators
The County Foundation is seeking individuals who bring valuable knowledge of the arts sector and the local arts community, possess direct or highly relevant experience in the arts, and offer diverse perspectives across various fine and applied art forms.
To apply to participate as an adjudicator, please fill out the Expression of Interest form below for consideration. Submissions will be accepted until Friday February 21st 2025.
We thank everyone for their enthusiasm and interest in participating, but please note that this will be a small committee and our aim is to ensure it reflects diverse perspectives from a variety of artistic backgrounds and experiences. Unfortunately, this means that not everyone who applies will be able to participate, but all applications will be filed for consideration in the future. Thank you!
Ways to Support the PEC Arts Fund
- Donate using a credit card through Canada Helps. Select "PEC Arts Fund" from the drop down menu.
- We can accept Interac e-Transfers sent to info@thecountyfoundation.ca. Indicate "PEC Arts Fund" in the notes section.
- Make cheques payable to The County Foundation, and use the memo line to specify the PEC Arts Fund.
Cheques can be mailed to: The County Foundation, Suite 107 – 35 Bridge Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
