On Sunday, the team at London’s Grand Theatre held their Partner Appreciation Event, where they recognized a $138,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant they received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Awarded over 12 months, these funds enabled the Theatre to purchase equipment and software to support hybrid working arrangements and virtual arts collaboration.

“I'm thrilled to hear that the Grand Theatre has received a $138,500 grant through Ontario Trillium Foundation's Resilient Communities Fund,” said Terence Kernaghan, MPP for London North Centre. “These funds will help the Grand recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and support hybrid performances and working arrangements. The Grand Theatre is a cultural staple in London that keeps our arts community thriving, and I know they will put these funds to excellent use. Congratulations!”

Over the past year, this grant has supported staff and artists to optimize their creativity from any location, engage new and returning audiences through digital offerings, and better prepare the Theatre in the event of future shut-downs. New laptops for staff and video conferencing technology within the Grand’s rehearsal and theatre spaces are key components of the grant.

Further, the funds enabled the Grand to modernize operations by leveraging cloud technology in all areas of the organization. This process has impacted everything from audition management, script development, financial reporting, backstage management, and digital archives. In addition, the grant funded new video systems for both stages (Spriet Stage and Auburn Developments Stage) – allowing the Theatre to stream, playback, and record virtual and hybrid events.

“As it did for most within our sector, the COVID-19 pandemic not only impacted the attendance and revenue of our Theatre, but also our daily operations and the ways our staff traditionally work,” remarks Evan Klassen, Grand Theatre Executive Director. “By receiving this noteworthy OTF Grant, the Grand is now better positioned to effectively address future emergency lockdowns, quarantines, or gathering restrictions – ultimately helping us to continue doing what we do best: providing powerful, provocative, and inspiring theatre for our London community and beyond.”

About the Ontario Trillium Foundation:

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, an one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.