The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario launches “Celebrating 50 Years – Shaping the Future Together” A Province-Wide Artistic and Community Initiative

OVERVIEW 

“Celebrating 50 Years — Shaping the Future Together!” is a comprehensive artistic and community initiative marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag. From September 2025 to September 2026, artists, organizations, and communities from across Ontario will come together to create a collective body of work that showcases the diversity, vitality, and creativity of Ontario’s francophonie.

Led by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, this initiative is delivered in partnership with the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario, and with the support of the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario and TFO.

Recognized in 2001 as the official symbol of Ontario’s French-speaking community and, in on September 25, 2021, as an official provincial emblem, today, the Franco-Ontarian flag is proudly flown all across Ontario, from schools to Queen’s Park. It stands as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and diversity.  This initiative honors that legacy and looks to the future, inspiring new artistic expressions that reflect the evolving character and composition of Ontario’s francophonie.

At its heart, the project is inclusive and participatory. It welcomes contributions from Ontarians of all backgrounds and experience levels, recognizing that Ontario’s francophonie is enriched by diverse voices, stories, and art forms.

OBJECTIVES

The initiative aims to:

• Celebrate and showcase Ontario’s contemporary francophonie in all its vitality, diversity and creativity

• Foster artistic co-creation and meaningful engagement among artists, citizens, organizations and communities across Ontario

• Create lasting artwork rooted in Ontario that reflect the richness and the breadth of francophone culture

• Strengthen connections across generations, cultures, regions and language groups.

• Offer visibility and a platform for both emerging and established artists

WHAT IS SUPPORTED 

Open to all artistic mediums, from visual arts, music, dance, theatre, digital creations, and interdisciplinary projects. Each selected project could receive up to $10,000 in funding, along with mentorship and regional support.

SELECTION CRITERIA  

Projects are evaluated based on artistic vision, community participation, cultural, social and artistic value, feasibility, originality, and commitment to inclusion and co-creation.

SHOWCASE OPPORTUNITIES  

Selected works will be featured as part of a collection in the form of an exhibition, digital and web format, and as part of a showcase at the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia.

PARTICIPATION 

Community members, artists, organizations, and institutions interested in taking part can submit an expression of interest through the initiative’s website (www.franco50.ca). The process is designed to be accessible and inclusive, with support available at every stage.

Potential funding and in-kind partners may also support subsequent phases of this initiative by contacting lg@ontario.ca.

How to Participate: 

1. Submit an expression of interest (September 25 – November 21, 2025)

2. Connect with a regional liaison agent

3. Attend information webinars

4. Submit official project proposal (November 3 – December 19, 2025)

5. Participate in jury selection process

6. Implement project with ongoing support (February – June 2026)

For more information: 

Website: www.franco50.ca

Media Contact: 

Laetitia Walbert 

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Laetitia.walbert@ontario.ca

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