MRC to allocate $35,000 toward cultural programming
Djeneba Dosso
Local Journalism Inititive
MRC PONTIAC – During their October 23 meeting, MRC Pontiac announced the launch of a new round of cultural development funding, a $35,000 initiative to support projects that promote and celebrate the region’s history, heritage and culture. Residents and organizations can pitch potential projects until November 21.
The funding comes as part of a Partnership Initiatives Program rolled out by the province in 2021to promote active cultural participation, highlight the unique identity of the region and position culture at the forefront of economic, social and territorial development.
“We’re looking for short-term, quick turnover, smaller projects [first] to see if we can push a larger variety across the Pontiac and get more activities out there. We really want to demonstrate that more cultural programming can be developed and run [here],” explained Sabrina Ayres, economic development commissioner.
The financial contribution for each project caps at $5,000 or after covering 80% of total eligible expenses; “whichever comes first,” Ayres clarified. Additionally, all projects must take place between January and May 2025.
Eligibility for a cultural project includes areas like ethnicity, French language, arts, music and literature, among others. However, all culinary projects are excluded, as the government has prohibited them.
“It’s the whole embodiment [of culture]. It could be book clubs with adults or reading programs with children that talk about the animation and drawings. You can include agriculture; the whole process of growing the seeds, different methods and how our [way of doing things] has changed historically. All of that is considered cultural,” she said.
Residents interested in submitting a project and those who have questions, need assistance developing their idea, or require help finding volunteers or resources can contact Ayres at s.ayres@mrcpontiac.qc.ca or 819-648-5689 ext. 124 before November 21.
“I’m hoping to see more awareness as to just how vast the concept of infusing culture in programming can be, whether it’s something new they want to bring to the area or something they’re already doing but want to infuse culture into to give it a refresh and potentially make it grow,” she concluded.
