OCAF was delighted to welcome Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, the Honourable Stan Cho to our Annual General Meeting on October 23rd at the Destination Ontario board room. Minister Cho thanked OCAF, a Ministry impact investment program, for helping his office to fulfil their mandate by investing in the promotion of cultural attractions across Ontario and by helping cultural organizations increase earned revenues and attract more private sector sponsorship. OCAF Chair, Gillian Smith, thanked the Minister for embracing the cultural portfolio so enthusiastically and his acknowledgement of OCAF’s vital role in the delivery of his Ministry’s mandate.
Minister Cho also thanked outgoing Director and Past Chair of OCAF, Mary Hofstetter, for her six years of service to the organization on behalf of the province. Mary’s leadership has been transformative to OCAF, and she leaves the organization in a state of exceeding stability and strength. On behalf of the OCAF board and staff, we thank you Mary for your years dedication to the cultural tourism sector in Ontario.
OCAF at TIAO Summit
OCAF was delighted to attend the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) Summit in Ottawa last week, which included a Fireside Chat with The Honourable Stan Cho, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming and TIAO President and CEO Andrew Siegwart.
We would also like to congratulate all the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence winners who were celebrated. Among the winners were three OCAF funding recipients: Six Nations Tourism (Indigenous Tourism Award); Tourism Kingston – Total Solar Eclipse (Tourism Marketing Partnership Award); the Aga Khan Museum (Ontario’s Choice Awards presented by Attractions Ontario).
OCAF-Supported Events Across Ontario
Toronto International Festival of Authors
TIFA continues its year-round Presents series this November with a lineup of engaging conversations and readings from acclaimed writers. Highlights include An Evening with Margaret Atwood (Nov 4), Between the Pages featuring Emma Donoghue and Souvankham Thammavongsa (Nov 12), and several Toronto Lit Up book launches celebrating local talent throughout the month. Explore the full schedule and discover new literary voices.
Shania Twin at Capitol Theatre
On Friday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m., the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope welcomes Shania Twin, a high-energy tribute to country music icon Shania Twain. Performer Donna Huber captures the hits, showmanship, and spirit that made Shania a global sensation. A night of great music and sing-along moments awaits.
Here for Now Theatre: Pandora and Reproduktion
Here For Now Theatre brings two bold, thought-provoking productions to the stage this November.
Pandora (Nov 5–15) follows Pandora as she unleashes chaos and journeys through myth, science, and self-discovery in a witty solo performance by Jessica B. Hill.
Reproduktion (Nov 20–30) tells the story of Flora, whose unconventional fertility treatment sparks a profound exploration of creation, identity, and the human need to give life meaning.
OCAF, OAC and Ontario Culture Days Ottawa Info Session
On October 30th OCAF hosted an information session at Arts Court in Ottawa along with the Ontario Arts Council and Ontario Culture Days. The packed house included over 150 representatives from cultural and heritage organizations, destination marketing organizations, regional tourism offices, and Ministry regional development advisors.
Thank you to all who attended, and we look forward to receiving a wave of applications from attendees, that promises to result in a significant increase in OCAF funding in eastern Ontario.
