Local arts organizations share $60k in grants

Ten local arts organizations are sharing in $60,000 funding from The County Foundation’s inaugural 2025 PEC Arts Fund.

Arts organizations providing services, programs, and amenities in the realm of the arts were invited to apply for single or multi-year grants to assist with general operating expenses, special projects, capacity building, events, or programming.

This year, the program offered $60k in available funding for both 2025 and 2026. The 10 organizations selected are to receive a total of $60,000 in funding in 2025 and six were named to share $43,672 in 2026 (details below).

“We are thrilled to celebrate the first recipients of The County Foundation’s new arts fund—an inspiring group whose creativity strengthens our community,” said Gillian Armstrong, Interim Executive Director of The County Foundation. “We want to thank the municipality for supporting this vibrant sector that is an essential part of the County’s identity and culture.”

“The municipality’s contribution to this fund comes from our portion of the Municipal Accommodations Tax (MAT), demonstrating how tourism revenues can benefit our
community,” stated Mayor Steve Ferguson. “This investment strengthens the arts and cultural economy and makes Prince Edward County a more vibrant and creative place to live, work and play.”

The PEC Arts Fund is supported by a maximum of $50k in funding per year in 2025 and 2026, from the Municipality’s share of the MAT. The County Foundation contributed $25k in seed funding to establish the fund, and also welcomes external donations through The County Foundation.

Members of the 2025 PEC Arts Fund Adjudication Committee included:
Arwyn Carpenter – Dancer/Choreographer
Delane Cooper – Artist
JC Sulzenko – Literary Arts
Michele Maheux – Former Arts Executive/Film (Declared Conflict of Interest for The Regent Theatre)
Sarah Crawford – Arts Patron
Teri McNair – TCF Board Member, Arts Patron
Thomas Harrison – TCF Board Member, Writer & Actor

The grant recipients are: