Canada Council for the Arts and Business / Arts
partner to strengthen arts organizations through artsvest

Training and capacity-building program available across Canada

Toronto, ON, December 9, 2025 — artsvest will expand and strengthen its knowledge-sharing and leadership development program and network, continuing to empower small and mid-sized arts and culture organizations across Canada as it enters its next phase in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts.

artsvest, the flagship program of Business / Arts, provides free training and peer-learning opportunities designed to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of arts organizations. The virtual program offers professional development to arts leaders in both official languages, building their skills and knowledge in sponsorship development, marketing, financial management, adaptive changemaking, community engagement, equity, diversity, and inclusion, board governance, and more.

Since 2005, artsvest has supported over 3,000 organizations and facilitated more than 7,000 new partnerships between arts organizations and local businesses across 12 provinces and territories. With regional partners providing matching funds for new sponsorship dollars raised, the program has generated $39.28 million in economic impact nationwide.

The current phase of artsvest concludes at the end of 2025. The next iteration of the program, called Phase 6, will launch in January 2026, supported by a $1.6 million investment from the Canada Council for the Arts, extending the program through March 2030. This investment aligns with the Council’s commitment to foster sustainability and resilience of the arts sector. 

Additional details on registration and program delivery will be shared in the new year.

The program will continue to prioritize supporting organizations serving rural, remote, and equity-deserving communities, as well as official language minority communities, providing the tools and guidance needed to strengthen their resilience and community impact.

Through this new partnership, Business / Arts and the Canada Council for the Arts will work together to advance professional development, equity, and long-term sustainability across Canada’s arts sector, ensuring that small and mid-sized organizations have access to the resources and relationships they need to thrive.

Quotes:

“Arts organizations keep our communities thriving. Through artsvest, we’re equipping them with the tools and partnerships they need to remain resilient and sustainable. With its reach extending to hundreds of organizations nationwide, we’re proud to partner with the Canada Council for the Arts to ensure this essential training continues to strengthen Canada’s arts sector for years to come.” Aubrey Reeves, President & CEO, Business / Arts

“As the arts sector strives to become more resilient and sustainable in a rapidly evolving world, we’re proud to partner with Business / Arts on the artsvest program. This transformational initiative will empower arts organizations from coast to coast to coast to build capacity so they can continue to play a vital role in Canadians’ lives—strengthening communities and generating significant social, cultural, and economic impacts.” Michelle Chawla, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts” Michelle Chawla, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts 

About Business / Arts:

Business / Arts is a national charitable organization that champions business investment in the arts and works to build strong, lasting partnerships between the arts, business, and government in Canada. Through targeted programming initiatives and a connected network of arts champions, Business / Arts is committed to ensuring that the arts are recognized as playing a vital role socially, culturally, and economically across Canada. 

About the Canada Council for the Arts:

The Canada Council for the Arts fosters and promotes the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts. Through its grants, services, prizes, initiatives, and payments, the Canada Council supports a dynamic and diverse arts and literary scene.
These activities generate a meaningful economic, cultural and social impact for over 2,000 communities in all parts of the country and beyond. The investments and leadership of the Council help advance public engagement in the arts from coast to coast to coast while also contributing to the international recognition of artists and arts organizations from Canada.

Media Contacts:

Erin Borch
Communications Director, Business / Arts
info@businessforthearts.org
416-869-3016

Karine Charbonneau
Director, Communications, Canada Council for the Arts
media@canadacouncil.ca
613-239-3958 | 1-800-263-5588, ext. 5151