January Updates
- ahlynialuk
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Happy New Year!
As we begin 2026, I am deeply grateful to our staff and board for their dedication over the past year. Their efforts have positioned us for continued success. Together, we will build on this momentum and seize new opportunities to strengthen London’s arts sector. I am optimistic about the programs, initiatives, and strategic goals ahead. This year, we will build on our foundations by launching new partnerships and initiatives that create lasting impact.
As we begin a new year, I want to thank our donors, sponsors, funders, and key partners for their continued belief in the London Arts Council’s mission and their generous support. Special thanks to the City of London (Neighbourhood and Community Wide Services: Culture Services and Dundas Place), Canada Life, Ontario Arts Council, London Community Foundation, Paul Seed Fund, LBMX, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Government of Ontario, Government of Canada, Westminster College Foundation, Covent Garden Market, Thames Valley District School Board, Downtown London, and Fanshawe College. Your partnership and support make a meaningful difference in our community every day.
I am also grateful to the artists, creators, and arts organizations who continue to inspire and motivate our community through their work. Their creativity nurtures, enlightens, and connects us all. It is an honour to support their artistic journeys and witness their growth.
The London Arts Council will continue to uphold the universal values of humanity and creativity in our operations and services. We believe creativity advances humanity by supporting diverse artistic expression and participation, which are fundamental human rights as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
On behalf of the London Arts Council, I sincerely thank you for your ongoing support of the local arts sector. I wish you a new year filled with meaningful growth and inspiring connections.
Warm regards,
Eunju Yi
Executive Director
Thank you to our operational partners for your ongoing support. Your funding and partnership provide crucial support for LAC in maintaining and growing capacity for ongoing development, implementation, and delivery of professional artistic programs and services for our community and the local arts sector.
We extend our gratitude to our strategic programming partners whose generosity helps us support the local arts community and artists with meaningful programs and opportunities.
ANNOUNCEMENT
We are thrilled to be the recipients of an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed Grant and would like to express our gratitude to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario.
The OTF Seed Grant will go towards our soon-to-be-launched Artists in Practice Workshop Series, a targeted initiative designed to support emerging and mid-career visual artists in London and surrounding First Nations communities, including Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and Munsee Delaware Nation.
The workshop series was developed in response to direct feedback from local artists, and the program strengthens pathways to specialized, culturally relevant professional development opportunities. Participating artists will be equipped with the practical tools and knowledge needed to build sustainable careers in the arts today.
PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
Michael Czupryna is a lens-based artist working in London, Ontario, creating images inspired by nature. A recent awakening has drawn his attention to the forest, in particular, trees and water. This perspective has been developed through lived health experiences, the pandemic, and learning that trees contribute directly to human well being, while also forming a seemingly intelligent ecosystem.
The exhibit at RBC Place Gallery runs January – May, 2026.
PROGRAMS AND LEARNING
AECE (Arts Education Classroom Experience)
Our team is currently planning AECE programming which will be delivered in March/April. The Arts Education Classroom Experience program gives London-based teachers and professional artists the opportunity to collaboratively develop and co-deliver arts projects in elementary schools in the London region.
NEW Upcoming Program – Artists in Practice Workshop Series
Artists in Practice Workshop Series is a targeted initiative designed to support emerging and mid-career visual artists in London and surrounding First Nations communities, including Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and Munsee Delaware Nation. This program is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Seed Grant. The London Arts Council would like to thank OTF for their continued program support.
Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
ARTS ACTIVATIONS
2026 is here and with it brings more live music to enjoy! Find out who's performing in our community and support local talent.
OPPORTUNITIES
CAIP for Arts Organizations
Applications for 2026 CAIP funding are now open for Arts Organizations applying to the Development Acceleration Stream (DAS) and Annual Operating Stream (AOS). Applicants can book a consultation with an LAC team member by contacting investment@londonarts.ca
The City of London’s Community Arts Investment Program is administered by the London Arts Council through a Purchase of Service Agreement with the City of London.
Deadline: Friday, February 20 at 4:30pm
Coming Soon – CAIP for Individuals & Collectives
Applications for 2026 CAIP funding for Individuals and Collectives will be open on February 20. Applicants can book a consultation with an LAC team member by contacting investment@londonarts.ca
The City of London’s Community Arts Investment Program is administered by the London Arts Council through a Purchase of Service Agreement with the City of London.
SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations, Brenda Zadorsky! 🎉
As one of the recommending community organizations through the public assessment process for the Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List we are thrilled for Brenda Zadorsky, the recipient of the 2026 Arts Category, which recognizes contributions to fostering and/or the production of human creativity.
Celebrating arts in Ontario!
Closing out 2025, we had the chance to celebrate and connect through the Ontario Arts Council community recognition series event!
A warm congratulations to all OAC grant recipients and many thanks to everyone who made this event possible.
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