Organizers say they will have to shut down one of the biggest music festivals in Canada unless new financial support is found.
In a message posted on their website, leaders of the Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, Ont., state that they can’t carry on due to current financial challenges, with expenses for running the large event greatly exceeding the income generated.
“We’ve done everything possible to run lean without sacrificing safety or the quality of the experience,” says the Festival’s Board of Directors Chair, Dave Shepherd. “We’ve trimmed costs – over $500k has been removed in the last two years, streamlined operations, and maximized efficiencies. But we are now at the edge – without new partners stepping in, we don’t know if we can keep going.”
Sound of Music (SOM) is recognized as Canada’s largest free concert event that draws 400,000 visitors each June to Burlington’s waterfront at Spencer Smith Park.
This year, more than 50 artists performed over several days for enthusiastic fans who enjoyed free admission.
Festival organizers cite a significant drop in public arts funding and a lack of major corporate sponsorship as reasons for their financial struggles.
They mention that federal support from the Heritage Fund used to be $200,000 but has decreased to $50,000. The Ontario government and other organizations have also cut back on funding. The City of Burlington offers a $150,000 grant.
“We’re calling on community leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners, and anyone who believes in the power of music and arts to help,” reads the statement on their website. “We urgently need a major sponsor or group of sponsors to join us in protecting this treasured event and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the joy, connection, and inclusivity that live music offers.”
SOM has been running for 45 years and has hosted many prominent artists with strong Canadian ties.
Performers have included New York Dolls, Cowboy Junkies, Maestro Fresh-Wes, Gord Downie, Tom Cochrane, Carly Rae Jepson, Devo, Men Without Hats, Kim Mitchell, Jim Cuddy, Bush, The Offspring, Arkells and Collective Soul.
Shepherd stated that SOM brings significant benefits to the community with an economic impact estimated at $25 million on Burlington and its surroundings.
“This is more than a festival. It’s an economic and cultural anchor that helps define Burlington’s identity; it attracts tourism and promotes small business success across the city and region,” continues their statement. “Now with sharp declines in public arts funding and sponsorships our future is uncertain. What was once a thriving example of free live music is now facing a tough reality: We can no longer sustain this festival without urgent financial support.”
The City of Burlington mentioned it would collaborate with festival organizers to help keep it running.
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They mention that federal support from the Heritage Fund used to be $200,000 but has decreased to $50,000. The Ontario government and other organizations have also cut back on funding. The City of Burlington offers a $150,000 grant.
“We’re calling on community leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners, and anyone who believes in the power of music and arts to help,” reads the statement on their website. “We urgently need a major sponsor or group of sponsors to join us in protecting this treasured event and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the joy, connection, and inclusivity that live music offers.”
SOM has been running for 45 years and has hosted many prominent artists with strong Canadian ties.
Performers have included New York Dolls, Cowboy Junkies, Maestro Fresh-Wes, Gord Downie, Tom Cochrane, Carly Rae Jepson, Devo, Men Without Hats, Kim Mitchell, Jim Cuddy, Bush, The Offspring, Arkells and Collective Soul.
Shepherd stated that SOM brings significant benefits to the community with an economic impact estimated at $25 million on Burlington and its surroundings.
“This is more than a festival. It’s an economic and cultural anchor that helps define Burlington’s identity; it attracts tourism and promotes small business success across the city and region,” continues their statement. “Now with sharp declines in public arts funding and sponsorships our future is uncertain. What was once a thriving example of free live music is now facing a tough reality: We can no longer sustain this festival without urgent financial support.”
The City of Burlington mentioned it would collaborate with festival organizers to help keep it running.
Last 30 Days: 81,360 Votes
All Time: 1,209,450 Votes
550 VOTES
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