The Creative County Grant Program will invest $75,165 into 20 local arts, culture, and heritage projects across Lambton County for the 2026 program year. This investment follows a record number of requests, with 40 organizations and individuals applying for over $239,000 in total funding. The program, which aims to build cultural capacity and enrich the […]
The Creative County Grant Program will invest $75,165 into 20 local arts, culture, and heritage projects across Lambton County for the 2026 program year. This investment follows a record number of requests, with 40 organizations and individuals applying for over $239,000 in total funding.
The program, which aims to build cultural capacity and enrich the quality of life for residents, typically allocates $75,000 annually. This year, the Creative County Committee drew on established reserves to add an extra $165 to complete funding for the approved initiatives. The funding can cover up to 50% of a project’s total costs, leveraging significant local cultural investment from applicants.
Projects supported by the grant program span the entire county, with several initiatives directly impacting the Sarnia area.
Key Sarnia-Lambton recipients include:
Sarnia Concert Association ($1,500) to work with community groups and provide free tickets, aiming to engage a more diverse audience for its concert series.
nuSarnia Foundation ($3,625) for its Village of Care: Community-Led Mural project at Radiant Community Centre.
International Symphony Orchestra ($3,100) to support Music Brings Joy: A Sensory-Friendly Experience.
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts ($2,040) for an artist development and networking program.
Local Girl Guides ($1,450) to support the event Celebrating 100 Years of Girl Guides in Lambton County.
These Sarnia-based projects highlight the commitment of local organizations to fostering community connection and cultural inclusion through diverse programming.
The program also funded projects with a broader county impact and those celebrating local milestones:
Morris Wazney, SHED 28 ($10,000) for a bronze monument installation at Whtye Park, Forest, commemorating the park’s 100th anniversary.
Central Lambton Health Team ($5,000) for its music program, Tuning In: Community Notes on Bridging Gaps Due to Loneliness.
Bluewater Wind Ensemble ($4,000) for its Fill the Hall project, aimed at building the musician and audience base across all corners of Lambton County.
Kettle Point Productions ($3,500) for their Summer Screening Party event.
Several communities received funding to celebrate significant anniversaries and local history:
Arkona 150 Anniversary Committee ($5,000) for its planned anniversary event.
Town of Plympton Wyoming ($5,000) for a project celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The Village of Oil Springs ($5,000) to produce historical flags and banners promoting community history and commemorating local veterans.
Inwood 150th Celebration Committee ($3,350) to support the Inwood 150 Music Festival and other events.
The following organizations and individuals received funding from the Creative County Grant Program for 2026:
Cabin Fever JMF Inc.: $1,100
Sarnia Concert Association: $1,500
Kettle Point Productions: $3,500
Morris Wazney, SHED 28: $10,000
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (for Arkona Lions Museum modernization): $5,000
Town of Petrolia (for Eats, Beats and Boutiques): $3,250
Central Lambton Health Team: $5,000
Bluewater Wind Ensemble: $4,000
nuSarnia Foundation: $3,625
International Symphony Orchestra: $3,100
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts: $2,040
Local Girl Guides: $1,450
Arkona 150 Anniversary Committee: $5,000
Town of Plympton Wyoming: $5,000
The Village of Oil Springs: $5,000
Moore Agricultural Society (for Heritage Mural Series): $5,000
Sombra Museum (for Frank Moffat Propeller Exhibit): $2,000
Corunna Kiwanis Club (for Corunna Library Mural): $5,000
Inwood 150th Celebration Committee: $3,350
Corunna Street Festival: $1,250
