Folk Canada Welcomes Renewed Federal Investment in Arts and Culture

[Ottawa, ON – November 5, 2025] — Folk Canada welcomes the federal government’s renewed commitment to the arts through Budget 2025, which invests $769 million over five years in arts and culture programs, agencies, and special initiatives beginning in 2025–2026.

We are particularly heartened to see supplementary funds for performing arts presenters and festivals renewed through the Canadian Arts Presenting Fund (CAPF) and Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) programs. These investments, though unfortunately not indexed or increased, will continue for three years starting in the 2026–2027 fiscal year, ensuring vital continuity for festivals, presenters, and touring artists across the country.

Specifically:

• $21 million over three years will be allocated to Canadian Heritage for the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program, supporting local festivals, community commemorations, and capital projects ($7 million per year, consistent with current levels and in addition to base funding).

• $46.5 million over three years will be allocated to Canadian Heritage for the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, which supports organizations that professionally present arts festivals and performing arts series ($15.5 million per year, consistent with current levels and in addition to base funding).

The budget also includes $54 million to support creators through the Canada Music Fund and the Canada Council for the Arts—a welcome step toward stabilizing the music ecosystem. For decades, these programs have been the foundation of Canada’s independent and folk music communities, supporting the creation, performance, and export of Canadian music worldwide.

“I’m happy to see renewed investment in the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, Building Communities through Arts and Heritage, the Canada Music Fund, and the Canada Council for the Arts, all of which greatly impact our membership,” said Rosalyn Dennett, Executive Director of Folk Canada. “These programs support the full ecosystem of folk music, from artists and festivals to presenters and export-ready professionals, helping sustain Canada’s music sector for years to come.”

Folk Canada echoes our partners at Canadian Coalition for the Arts, Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), and CAPACOA in calling for predictable, long-term investment that reflects the scale, diversity, and potential of Canada’s live music and touring sector.

According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the arts and culture sector contributes $65 billion annually to Canada’s economy, supporting over 1.1 million jobs and growing faster than the national average. Investments in music and live events are, quite simply, investments in the social and cultural fabric of Canada.

Folk Canada looks forward to continuing its work with partners across the sector and with the government to advance a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for Canadian folk music and live performance.

Click here to review the Budget Document in full