Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy announces funding for four arts and culture organizations in Toronto
TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- Cultural organizations are pillars of our communities and give people an opportunity to come together, learn and be inspired. They strengthen Canada's creative economy while giving Canadians the opportunity to see their stories and identities reflected, celebrated and shared through art.
Today, Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament (Taiaiako'n–Parkdale–High Park), announced $583,200 in funding for four performing arts and festival organizations in Toronto. He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund investments will support Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, the CanAsian Dance Festival, Native Earth Performing Arts, and Young People's Theatre.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre will receive $102,000 for its 2026 and 2027 Queer Voices Canada seasons, which support vibrant and diverse programming that amplifies the voices of by trans and gender non-conforming artists, 2Spirit artists, and QTBIPOC artists. The theatre will also hold community and education events to create dialogue around queer content and increase critical engagement with the work, artists, and topics presented.
The CanAsian Dance Festival will receive $109,800 for its 2026, 2027 and 2028 CanAsian Dance Series seasons, creating more opportunities for Asian diasporic dance artists to showcase their work and connect with communities. The activities will be staged at various locations in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
As for Native Earth Performing Arts, it will receive $176,400 for its 2026, 2027 and 2028 Weesageechak Begins to Dance seasons, along with two other dance works by Indigenous artists, helping bring Indigenous stories, perspectives and artistic expression to audiences. It will also feature dance and theatre performances by Indigenous artists from Ontario and across Canada, as well as artists from Australia.
The final project being funded, Young People's Theatre, will receive $195,000 for its 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons, which celebrate Canada's rich cultural landscape through diverse programming, bringing Indigenous and Francophone works to audiences alongside dance, puppetry, musical theatre and new media.
These organizations strengthen communities by bringing people together through vibrant, diverse cultural experiences for all ages.
When we celebrate our diversity through the arts, we strengthen our shared identity and build stronger, more united communities.
Quotes
"Arts and culture organizations bring people together, strengthen local economies and make Toronto a vibrant place to live, work and visit. By investing in the performing arts, we are helping artists share their work and express their creativity, while advancing careers and supporting the organizations that drive Toronto's cultural economy. In a rapidly changing world, a strong cultural sector is essential to a strong and resilient Canada."
--The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
"As a Member of Parliament for Toronto, I see firsthand how creators and organizations like these bring our city together. They allow people to better understand each other, share stories and experience our rich cultural diversity. This funding will help these organizations, and their creators, continue to inspire audiences, support artists and strengthen the vibrant cultural fabric that makes Toronto such a special place."
-- Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament (Taiaiako'n–Parkdale–High Park)
"The Department of Canadian Heritage's support for Queer Voices Canada will help us continue to create connections and creative conversations between queer artists and audiences from across Canada. As queer rights and freedoms are threatened the world around, this critical investment strengthens our ability to uphold queer resistance here in Canada. Buddies in Bad Times, as an institution and a nexus for queer expression, plays a fundamental role in Canada's unique cultural ecology and expresses our values on the global stage. We thank the Government of Canada for helping us continue to foster the transgressive, sexy and provocative work of queer Canadian artists."
-- ted witzel, Artistic Director, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
"This investment will help us further expand opportunities for Asian diasporic dance artists and bring their work to audiences across Canada. It supports our commitment to showcasing diverse artistic perspectives and creating meaningful platforms for cultural exchanges and creative collaboration. We have been able to meaningfully create platforms in Toronto, Montreal and more recently Vancouver, and we are working to expand our reach. We are very grateful for the recognition of the value of what we do and for whom. With this support, we will be able to continue to strengthen the visibility and impact of Asian diasporic artists across Canada."
-- Angie Cheng, Artistic Lead, CanAsian Dance
"Support for Weesageechak Begins to Dance will help us continue nurturing Indigenous artists and advancing Indigenous storytelling on stage. This funding allows Native Earth to provide artists from Turtle Island and beyond with the time, resources and support they need to develop their work and share it with audiences."
-- Himanshu Sitlani, Managing Director, Native Earth Performing Arts
"This funding will help us bring high-quality professional theatre experiences to children and families across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Through stories that spark imagination, empathy and curiosity, we aim to inspire young people and contribute to a world where coming generations are more curious, confident and collaborative. This investment supports our mission to make theatre accessible and meaningful for the next generation."
-- Camilla Holland, Executive Director, Young People's Theatre
Quick Facts
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund provides financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals and performing arts series, as well as organizations that support arts presenters.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is the world's largest and longest-running queer theatre company and a leading presenter of 2SLGBTQIA+ arts and culture in Canada. Based in Toronto, it develops and presents innovative theatre, festivals and artistic programs that amplify queer voices and stories.
CanAsian Dance supports and showcases Asian diasporic dance artists from across Canada while promoting creative exchanges, collaboration and professional development. Through festivals, performances and artist initiatives, it promotes diverse expressions of Asian dance and culture to audiences across Canada.
Native Earth Performing Arts is Canada's oldest professional Indigenous performing arts company, dedicated to developing, producing and presenting Indigenous theatre, dance and multidisciplinary works. Through artistic creation, mentorship and professional development opportunities, it advances Indigenous storytelling and supports Indigenous artists across the country.
Young People's Theatre is Canada's largest and oldest professional theatre company for young audiences. Through productions, educational programming and community engagement initiatives, it inspires children and youth while promoting creativity, empathy and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Associated Links
Canada Arts Presentation Fund
Buddies in Bad Times
CanAsian Dance
Native Earth Performing Arts
Young People's Theatre
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Hermine Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]
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