Why Not Theatre received a $115,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help them adapt and continue to create work in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the latter half of 2021, this funding enabled Why Not to position themselves to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the pandemic, continue to make work safely, and support artists in making their own work by whatever means necessary.

“Artists have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, losing their venues, spaces, and opportunities to show their work,” said Davenport MPP Marit Stiles. “The generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been critical to allowing Why Not Theatre to continue to push boundaries, develop stories and deliver them in changing times. We are very grateful to OTF and also to Why Not Theatre for continuing to nourish our community through their art, and shake things up.”

This Resilient Communities Fund grant helped Why Not to adapt and re-imagine the delivery of programs, performances, and services for the arts community. The funding facilitated the purchase of equipment for digital creation and online engagement, as well as physical upgrades to Why Not’s office and event space, which reduce potential transmission of COVID-19.

“This support not only helped us reimagine the creation of our own work, but the delivery of vital programs for independent artists, like ThisGen Fellowship and RISER 2021,” said Miriam Fernandes, Co-Artistic Director of Why Not Theatre. “It will be essential to all the artists that we work with, as we continue to navigate this tumultuous time for live performance.”

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Why Not Theatre shakes up the status quo to make the world we want to see. A world where everyone can achieve their full potential. We question everything. Rethink how stories are told. And who gets to tell them. We MAKE great work that takes chances, and tours all over the world. We SHARE everything we have, because more artists mean more stories. We PROVOKE change because we believe art should be for everyone. We push boundaries, build community, and find new ways. We represent Toronto, at home and on the world stage.

For more information, visit: whynot.theatre.