In 2019, the Township of Nipigon received a $71,500 Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to make accessibility and energy efficient upgrades to the century-old building used by the Edge Arts Studio and Gallery, along with purchasing new equipment to assist in delivering art programs for local residents. The project was done in May and will give the community improved access to the various programs and events at the Centre for years to come.

“I am thrilled to see the completion of this Ontario Trillium Foundation investment in the Township of Nipigon. The arts play an important role in our lives and economy and I am happy to see the promotion of the arts for all ages for years to come thanks to the leadership of the Edge Arts Studio & Gallery.” – Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay–Superior North

The funds from the grant were used to help with the salary for a project coordinator and hosting a series of workshops. Funds were also used to buy equipment for the workshops, including a camera, laptops, a printer, a smart TV, desks, tables and chairs, as well as some administrative costs. With a list of artisans, along with the equipment the grant has helped to provide, there’s a plan to expand the Gallery’s workshops and programming. The Gallery will continue to develop programming for all ages, with a strong focus on seniors and youth, and will continue to promote local artisans, developing workshops for artists to teach their craft, and keep the costs for each workshop affordable so anyone who wants to participate, cost will not be a hurdle.

During this project, the Gallery had the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and skills, including identifying a large list of local artisans with many unique and generational talents. The main goal of the grant was to ensure that once the pandemic and restrictions ease, program and workshops would be available for the community. The biggest lesson learned overall is how much something is missed when it is not available - and the response from residents of Nipigon and the surrounding communities is that the programming/workshops are sorely missed.

The Edge Arts Studio and Gallery is committed to preserving this space and ensuring that it remains accessible for many community activities over the course of the year. For anyone who wishes to enquire about using the space for meetings or hosting an event, please visit the website at: www.edgearts.ca

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.

Media Contact:
Kristin Dutil
Township of Nipigon
807-887-3586 or 807-887-4556