Oshawa, ON – The Robert McLaughlin Gallery received an investment of funding from Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) to support efforts to promote tourism to Oshawa, specifically as the City celebrates its centennial this year. The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) alongside many other community partners will mark this milestone of Oshawa’s centennial with special activities.
Over the past two years, the RMG has actively supported the drive to increase cultural tourism led by Oshawa Tourism to revitalize downtown Oshawa and draw further investment in our local cultural, business, and culinary scene.
As one of the key attractions in Oshawa, the RMG has a key role to play in bringing new visitors downtown. Admission and access to public programming is always free at the RMG, which should encourage visitation. The funding from OCAF will enable the RMG to utilize promotional opportunities that are often out of reach for the RMG financially.
OCAF’s support will be directed to events including but not limited to:
- RMG Fridays, a cultural standout for Durham Region throughout the year, these events bring higher profile performers with roots in Durham Region to attract tourists. The events include live performing arts, studio activity, gallery tours, and showcase local food and beverage partners.
- Contemporary Kids exhibition, an immersive experience over 3,000 square feet of exhibition space, with each artist creating zones of play and engagement throughout the gallery. Seeing the world as children do, the artworks will open up new possibilities for play and enchantment for visitors of all ages. A free, fun-filled Family Party opens the exhibition on June 1.
Thanks to the support from OCAF, the RMG is well positioned through its vision, mission, and values to ensure that arts activities attract visitors from across the Region, province, and beyond to our Permanent Collection, special exhibitions, programs, and events.
Quotes
“We’re thrilled to receive support from the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund to help celebrate the City of Oshawa’s centennial, especially during a year that OCAF itself marks 25 years! Investment funds like OCAF allow us to reach new audiences and engage them with art at the RMG.”
- Lauren Gould, CEO, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
About The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) is the largest public art gallery in Durham Region. We believe that art cultivates connected and caring communities. As an artist-centered and community-oriented public art gallery in Durham Region, we bring people from diverse backgrounds together to engage with art that inspires new perspectives, generates meaningful conversations and creates a sense of belonging. We build relationships with diverse artists and communities through art. The RMG works in collaboration with artists, partners,and audiences to present dynamic and inspiring collections, exhibitions and programs in an inclusive and equitable environment.
Today, the RMG’s collection of over 4,700 works focuses on telling the continuing story of Canadian abstraction. Each year we present Permanent Collection exhibitions alongside special exhibitions of contemporary art and artists. We prioritize engaging diverse audiences in new and familiar ways through our programming. We foster community connections and partnerships to create a greater sense of belonging. We reimagine the gallery, making space for all. Annually, we welcome 38,000 visitors and 10,000 participants to engage with us and what we offer.
Quick facts
- The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) believes that art cultivates connected and caring communities. As an artist-centered and community-oriented public art gallery in Durham Region, we bring people from diverse backgrounds together to engage with art that inspires new perspectives, generates meaningful conversations, and creates a sense of belonging. Annually, the RMG welcomes thousands of patrons to engage with our: exhibitions, education programs, volunteering opportunities, event spaces, shop, artist-in-residence program, and digital programming. Admission to the RMG is FREE.
About the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund
The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) was established in 1999. It has three aims: (1) to increase cultural tourism by providing investments to assist Ontario organizations to develop, promote and present one- off or first time events, or a significant expansion of existing activity, which are designed to attract new tourists and visitors to cultural events; (2) increase the earned revenue capability of the applicant organization; and (3) support events that foster economic growth and contribute to job creation.
OCAF achieves this by providing up front working capital directed towards the applicant’s marketing and promotional costs, with the investment taking the form of a partially repayable loan. OCAF board decisions are informed by sound economic analysis and measurable results.
Since 1999, the Government of Ontario has invested $51.75 million in the Fund and the success of the initiatives in which OCAF has invested has led to a healthy replenishment of the Fund for future projects.
Quick Facts:
Between 1999 and 2022:
- OCAF has committed over $85 M to 885 projects across Ontario, in over 100 different communities
- OCAF-funded events attracted over 75 M visitors
- Total earned revenues of OCAF-funded events: over $280 M
- Over 9% of OCAF-funded project revenue was earned
- OCAF operation expenses have averaged under 8%
- OCAF has approved nearly $13 M for 297 events in rural and Northern Ontario communities. Those 297 events have attracted over 4M visitors and received over $40 M in earned revenue and reported an average attendance increase of 45% over the previous year
Contact for Media Inquiries:
Sara Rodriguez
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
