LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LAUNCHES COMMUNITY AND ARTISTIC INITIATIVE IN CELEBRATION OF FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FRANCO-ONTARIAN FLAG

Lieutenant Governor Launches Province-Wide Artistic and Community Initiative in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian Flag    SUDBURY, ON, September 25, 2025  Today, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, officially launched "Celebrating 50 Years – Shaping the Future Together," a province-wide artistic and community initiative marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag. Running from September 2025 to fall 2026, the initiative will bring together local artists and community members from across Ontario, supported by cultural, community, and academic organizations. Together, they will create works of art that will form the foundation of a collective exhibition showcasing the diversity, vitality, and creativity of Ontario’s francophonie. Led by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in partnership with the Alliance culturelle de l'Ontario, and supported by the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario and TFO, the initiative welcomes projects of all artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theatre, digital media, and interdisciplinary projects. Selected projects will be eligible for up to $10,000 in funding, along with mentorship and regional support. “This 50th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come over the decades, while proudly and confidently looking ahead to the future of our shared story in Ontario,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Through this initiative, we’re inviting everyone to take part by sharing their stories and showcasing their creativity. Together, let’s shape a vibrant mosaic that reflects the richness, diversity, and vitality of Ontario’s francophonie.”   Key Features of the Initiative: Open to all: Community members, artists, organizations, and institutions from across Ontario are invited to take part. Comprehensive support: Projects are eligible for funding and will receive mentorship and practical resources to help bring their ideas to life. Built on partnerships: Supported by a network of cultural, community, governmental, and media partners. Collaborative process: Each project adds a unique piece to a collective artistic mosaic that reflects the diversity and vitality of Ontario’s francophonie. International visibility: Selected works will be showcased at the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia Lasting legacy: All works will be preserved in a permanent digital showcase, with potential integration into educational resources.   Timeline and Participation: The initiative welcomes contributions from Ontarians of all backgrounds and experience levels, recognizing that Ontario’s francophonie is enriched by diverse voices, stories, and art forms. Interested participants can submit expressions of interest from September 25 to November 21, 2025, via the initiative’s official website (www.franco50.ca). Information webinars are scheduled for October 14 (French) and October 15 (English).   Quick Facts Celebrating 50 Years – Shaping the Future Together! will support community-driven art projects which will serve as the building blocks to produce a collective exhibition showcased in Ontario, on a bilingual web platform, and at the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia. Ontario counts about 650,000 Francophones and over 1.5 million residents who speak or understand French. The Franco-Ontarian flag, first raised in Sudbury in 1975, became an official emblem of Ontario in 2021.   Quotes “For 50 years, the Franco-Ontarian flag has embodied the pride, resilience and cultural richness of Ontario’s Francophone community—the largest in Canada outside of Quebec”, said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophones Affairs. “This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the social, cultural and economic development of Francophones in Ontario and their invaluable contributions to the province over the past half-century. Happy Franco-Ontarian Day!” — The Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Ministry of Francophone Affairs   “ACO is proud to join Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in this meaningful initiative, which highlights how the arts lie at the heart of our Francophone heritage and carry its promise into the future.” — Benoît Roy, Chair, Alliance culturelle de l'Ontario   "As an organization that proudly invests more than $4 million each year in Franco-Ontarian arts and culture, the Ontario Arts Council is delighted to be partnering with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario on this exciting initiative. The Franco-Ontarian Flag Day celebration is the perfect event to launch this project. The flag is not only a symbol of cultural pride, but a testimony to the enduring impact of Franco‑Ontarian culture. Celebrating 50 Years – Shaping the Future Together! is sure to invigorate the network of Franco-Ontarian communities across the province while strengthening a sense of belonging. We are eager to see the community’s innovative and exciting projects come forward." — Simon Foster, Chair, Ontario Arts Council   For more information: Website: www.franco50.ca