Ontario Supporting Local Youth Through the Arts

May 17, 2026

$19,900 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Helps Film Access Northumberland Enhance
Community Film Programming

COBOURG – Ontario is continuing to invest in local communities and support
opportunites for young people in the arts. On Sunday morning at the Eye2Eye
Showcase at Victoria Hall, MPP David Piccini joined Film Access Northumberland
(FAN) in recognition of their $19,900 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation
(OTF), which has helped strengthen local access to film and digital media programming.

“Our government is proud to invest in organizations that are creating meaningful
opportunities for youth to build creative skills and share their work with the community,”
said David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South. “This investment
ensures students have access to high quality equipment and real opportunities to
showcase their talent across Northumberland County.”

The funding has enabled Film Access Northumberland to purchase essential digital
projection equipment, significantly enhancing the organization’s ability to deliver
programming, such as the Eye2Eye Showcase. The new equipment includes a high
luminance projector, a 19-foot rear projection screen and frame, a video switcher, and a
laptop computer. The system is portable, allowing FAN to bring programming and
screenings to communities across Northumberland County.

By improving access to professional grade equipment, this investment is helping ensure
young filmmakers from secondary and post-secondary institutions can experience their
work presented on the big screen before a live audience. The project also strengthens
partnerships with local cultural institutions, including Victoria Hall, while improving the
overall viewing experience for audiences.

“The long-term impact of this Ontario government grant is hugely significant,” said Ross
Pigeau, Chair of the Board of Directors for FAN. “It has allowed us to save on costs
from expensive equipment rentals while offering an excellent film media experience to
our community for years to come.”

FAN is a Canadian registered charity designed to promote community, tolerance and
understanding through the art of film. It conducts public exhibitions,
seminars, masterclasses and workshops to advance education in the film and digital
arts while supporting aspiring filmmakers with financial awards and mentorship
opportunities. Visit filmaccessnorthumberland.ca for more information about the
organization and the programs it offers to the community.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a
mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF
invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic
well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development,
provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable
environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

“We are thrilled to see Film Access Northumberland recognized with this Ontario
Trillium Foundation grant. This investment in digital projection equipment will strengthen
their ability to deliver meaningful programming right here in our community. Initiatives
like the Eye2Eye Showcase are a testament to the creativity and talent that make
Northumberland such a vibrant place to live.”

– Lucas Cleveland, Mayor, Town of Cobourg