Release
Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture
June 03, 2026
A $1.5-million government investment is meant to support the operations of arts organizations and reaffirm the role of arts and culture as an economic driver in New Brunswick. Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault announced the funding at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre in Fredericton.
FREDERICTON (GNB) – A $1.5-million government investment is meant to support the operations of arts organizations and reaffirm the role of arts and culture as an economic driver in New Brunswick.
“Arts organizations play an essential role in our communities. They foster access to arts and culture, support the employment of artists and cultural workers, and contribute to the province’s economic and cultural vitality. Supporting them is essential,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault. “This is the first significant investment in this program in nearly 11 years, a long-awaited increase for the arts community. This funding will provide them with the stability needed to plan their activities and maintain a dynamic cultural offering.”
The funding will be allocated to the Operational Support Program, which replaces the former core funding model and whose administration was transferred in March to the New Brunswick Arts Board, also known as artsnb. The program provides arts organizations with stable funding over three years. With this investment, the operational support funding is increased to $3.29 million per year.
“This investment will have a tangible impact on the development of the arts and culture sector in New Brunswick by strengthening operational support for arts organizations,” said Jason Guerrette, chair of artsnb. “This support will contribute to stimulating artistic creation and production while also supporting the work of professional artists. We look forward to seeing the positive effects in our communities.”
While the Status of the Artist Act, adopted last year, recognizes the profession of artist and promotes fair compensation, today’s announcement is meant to support the viability of arts organizations.
“The Operational Support Program plays an essential role in sustaining arts centres across New Brunswick,” said Matt Carter, executive director of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. “Rising operational costs and pressure from the cost of living are creating new challenges for arts accessibility. This announcement helps address growing financial pressure on arts organizations while supporting the unique identities, social cohesion and cultural sovereignty of communities across the province.”
Programs focused on projects and sector development continue to be administered by the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. Information on these funding opportunities is available on the department’s website, while details on the Operational Support Program are available through artsnb.
03-06-26
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Tourism, Heritage and Culture (grants and financial support)
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Media Contact(s)
Diana Chávez, communications, Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, [email protected].