Funding now open for Culture Days 2026 events in Brant

Children take part in a hands-on arts activity during a past Culture Days event in the County of Brant. The national celebration of arts, culture and heritage returns Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, 2026, with funding now available to help local artists and community groups host creative experiences across the county.

Paris Independent Staff

Community information session set for March 25 as organizers prepare for fall arts celebration

The County of Brant is inviting artists, community groups and cultural organizations to begin planning for Culture Days 2026, with funding applications now open and a community information session scheduled later this month.

Eligible organizations and individuals can apply for up to $750 in funding to support local Culture Days programming. Applications are currently being accepted, with a deadline of Friday, April 24, 2026.

To help interested participants learn more about the program and funding opportunities, the county will host a Culture Days Community Information Session on Wednesday, March 25 at 1:30 p.m. at County of Brant Council Chambers, located at 7 Broadway St. W. in Paris. Participants can attend either in person or virtually to brainstorm ideas, connect with other community groups and ask questions about planning events for this year’s celebration.

Culture Days is a national celebration of arts, culture and heritage that will take place September 18 to October 4, 2026, offering communities across Canada the opportunity to showcase local creativity through workshops, performances, exhibitions and interactive experiences.

The County of Brant has become a strong participant in the annual festival. In 2025, the county ranked seventh among the top participating small municipalities in Canada, recognizing the community’s strong engagement in arts and culture. Brant has also been selected for the third consecutive year as one of Ontario’s Culture Days Festival Hubs, with details about local hub programming expected to be announced later this spring.

Financial support for Culture Days programming is returning for a fourth year, including $10,000 supported through the Mayor’s budget to help enhance creative experiences across the community.

“Culture Days is a wonderful community celebration and another opportunity for residents to get out and explore Brant,” said County of Brant Mayor David Bailey. “We are also so pleased to have been acknowledged as 7th in the Top Participating Communities for Small Municipalities across the country.”

“We’re happy to continue supporting our local creators through this funding,” said Mayor Bailey. “We encourage creatives from across the County of Brant to take advantage of this opportunity and showcase their talents during this year’s Culture Days.”

Registration for Culture Days events will open later this month. Residents are encouraged to follow the County of Brant on social media or visit the Culture Days webpage for updates.

To learn more about Culture Days, apply for funding, or access the virtual information session link, visit www.brant.ca/CultureDays.

For additional information, contact culture@brant.ca or call 519-44BRANT (519-442-7268) or 1-855-44BRANT ext. 3013.