The Celebrating 50 years, Shaping the future together! initiative is generating remarkable engagement
Toronto (Ontario), March 6, 2026—With more than 140 artistic and community projects from across Ontario, the Celebrating 50 years, Shaping the future together! initiative has generated remarkable engagement among Ontario’s Francophone community.
Of these proposals, 72 applications were officially submitted and evaluated by an independent jury from the Ontario Arts Council. At the end of this rigorous process, 17 projects were selected that reflect both the Francophone community in Ontario today and the one taking shape for tomorrow.
“The 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag deserved a celebration commensurate with its importance,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “The community’s response to this call for projects is a fine demonstration of that. I look forward to seeing these creations come to life in the coming months.”
“The Franco-Ontarian flag is a symbol of pride and resilience for Francophones across Ontario,” said the Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs. “As we celebrate the flag’s 50th anniversary, the work created through this initiative will reflect the vitality of Ontario’s Francophonie for years to come.”
“Since the 1970s, the Ontario Arts Council has been proud to support the richness and uniqueness of Franco-Ontarian creativity, and we are delighted to be associated with this important initiative and celebration,’ said Michael Murray, CEO of the Ontario Arts Council. ’The projects funded by this program offer an exceptional opportunity to connect the past, present, and future of Francophone arts in Ontario.”
Sustain enthusiasm since the initiative’s launch
Launched in September 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, Celebrating 50 years, Shaping the future together! is a provincial artistic and community co-creation initiative led by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in partnership with the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario, and supported by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Arts Council and TFO.
The journey continues!
The liaison team will now assist project leaders in bringing their visions to life and shaping this collective work.
Although the period for projects seeking financial support has now ended, the initiative remains open to artists, organizations, and communities who can still join the process, either by collaborating on an existing project or by proposing their own contribution.
To learn more about the initiative and view the list of selected projects: www.franco50.ca
Quick Facts
140 arts and community projects received from all regions of Ontario
72 applications formally submitted and evaluated by an independent jury
16 projects selected, with financial support of up to $10,000 each
Partners: Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario, Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, and TFO
For more information:
Celebrating 50 Years, Shaping the Future Together! initiative website: www.franco50.com
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario website: www.lgontario.ca
