Have your say in how the City continues to invest in the arts through the City of Kingston Arts Fund

The City of Kingston is taking the next step in its review of the City of Kingston Arts Fund (CKAF), inviting the public to fill out an online survey that provides insight into how artists, arts organizations and projects are supported in the community.

The survey is hosted by Saffy, a creative strategy and consulting firm contracted by the City to facilitate the engagement process. Survey participants will be asked for their input on the role and objectives of CKAF, the delivery and impact of grant funding, and future considerations and needs. The survey kicks off the public engagement phase of the CKAF review that will also include focus groups, one-on-one interviews, pop-up engagement sessions and community conversations, and an open house later this summer.

“The arts and culture landscape in Kingston has changed since the City of Kingston Arts Fund was established in 2007 and we want to ensure that the diverse needs of the artists, arts organizations and the broader arts and cultural community continue to be met through this important funding program,” says Danika Lochhead, Director of Arts and Culture Services, City of Kingston. “Arts and culture impact the community as a whole, and the CKAF review engagement aims to capture the suggestions of those working within and alongside the creative community and the broader public that engages with arts and culture activities in Kingston.”

As part of the public engagement phase, Saffy and the City introduced an adapted civic lottery process to create a CKAF community advisory group that reflects the demographic and diverse population of Kingston, with a focus on participants who represent equity-deserving, historically marginalized and vulnerable groups. The group members will function as project champions as part of the overall project team and will help to ensure community participation in the CKAF review.

The survey and more information about additional public engagement opportunities for the City of Kingston Arts Fund review can be found on Get Involved Kingston.