The Kingston Arts Council (KAC) is the region's primary resource for arts information & support. Through communications, programming, and advocacy, the KAC promotes the creation, development, and appreciation of the arts in Kingston and supports artistic growth and engagement for arts organizations and artists at all levels of their careers. The KAC also administers key funding programs, the City of Kingston Arts Fund (CKAF) and the Nan Yeomans Grant for Artistic Development.
The Kingston Arts Council (KAC) provides strategic leadership and services for the arts — as funder, leader, advocate, resource and facilitator of opportunities — in Kingston and the surrounding area.
We envision a Kingston where:
► The arts are understood to be an essential part of our community’s health and vitality;
► People of all ages, backgrounds and abilities experience, value and see themselves reflected in the arts;
► All those who wish to participate in the arts have the resources and opportunities to do so;
► Artists and arts workers are able to build sustainable careers; and
► Our arts sector, artists, arts workers and arts organizations are thriving and recognized locally and nationally for their efforts, talents and innovation.
The Kingston Arts Council serves artists, arts workers and arts organizations in Kingston and the surrounding area. We serve all disciplines and arts practices, including arts education and community-engaged arts, as well as all levels of participation, including amateur, emerging professional and professional. We support all those in the arts who are striving to grow and to contribute to a thriving creative community.
Many values make up the organizational culture of the Kingston Arts Council, but the core values that embody our deepest commitments include:
► Serving the full spectrum of arts practice in a balanced way;
► Embracing diversity, equity and inclusion as an organization and enriching the community’s understanding of equity principles;
► Ensuring organizational stability & sustainability; and
► Acting from a place of openness, transparency and accountability in all we do.
2019-2023 Strategic Plan
In December 2019, the KAC launched a new three-year Strategic Plan titled Connected, Vocal, Strong.
The full plan can be read here (PDF).
In 2019, the Kingston Arts Council began the process of developing a new strategic plan to build on the success of the initial plan and respond to current community needs. Consultation with the community began in May 2019. In the spring of 2019, the Kingston Arts Council reached out to the arts community with a survey designed to gather insights into the challenges, opportunities and issues that artists, arts workers, collectives and arts organizations are facing at this time. We also invited feedback on KAC programs and services as well as indications of interest in potential new and expanded programs. This feedback and informed the organization’s work through the summer and fall to develop the priorities and objectives outlined in this plan.
2016-2018 Strategic Plan
Click here to view a pdf copy of the 2016/18 Strategic Plan: Building a Creative Community.
The development of the Kingston Arts Council Strategic Plan (2016-18): Building a Creative Community was funded by the Ontario Arts Council – Compass Grant.
Click here to view the 2022/2023 Annual Report!
Click here to view a PDF copy of the 2021/22 Annual Report.
Click here to view a PDF copy of the 2020/21 Annual Report.
Click here to view a PDF copy of the 2019/20 Annual Report.
Click here to view a PDF copy of the 2018/19 Annual Report.
Click here to view a PDF copy of the 2017/18 Annual Report.
Click here to view a PDF copy of the 2016/2017 Annual Report.