Emergency funding for King Heritage & Cultural Centre

By Mark Pavilons
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative

King's Heritage & Cultural Centre is getting a $35,000 shot in the arm, thanks to funding from the federal government.
Honourable Deb Schulte, King-Vaughan MP and Minister of Seniors, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced $34,588 of emergency funding for the centre. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Canadian cultural and heritage institutions hard and the Government of Canada is committed to helping these organizations get through this crisis, as they play a vital role in our communities.
Ottawa made the investment through the Access to Heritage component of the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund, announced in June. Its mission is to support culture, heritage and sports organizations.
“We know how much museums and other heritage organizations have been affected by the pandemic. It's important for the King Heritage & Cultural Centre to continue to share King Township's rich history and be a hub for our arts community. I'm proud to announce the emergency federal assistance to help this valuable community resource,” said Schulte.
“We're extremely pleased to be able to accept the $34,588 in funding through the Museum Assistance Program. I'd like to thank Minister Schulte for once again working on behalf of King Township's constituents to procure much-needed funding for the King Heritage and Cultural Centre,” added King Mayor Steve Pellegrini.
“The Township of King recognizes and appreciates the Department of Heritage for their increased support of the King Heritage & Cultural Centre through the Museum Assistance Program in these unprecedented times. These funds will ensure that the KHCC remains as a pillar of King's cultural community and will assist in opening the doors in the near future. In these difficult times culture can act as source for improving mental health and we look forward to welcoming back our residents to a place of reminiscence and reflection,” noted Erika Baird, Heritage & Cultural Supervisor for King.
The Government of Canada created a $500-million emergency fund as an additional temporary support measure for cultural, heritage and sports organizations that are experiencing significant financial losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of this amount, $53 million will go to the heritage sector and will be provided through the emergency component of the Museums Assistance Program. The emergency fund will help affected organizations retain employees and maintain their operations.
The Museums Assistance Program supports heritage institutions and employees in an effort to preserve and exhibit heritage collections. It encourages the preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage and facilitates access to heritage collections for all Canadians. It also promotes the development of knowledge, skills and professional practices related to key museum functions.