Mississauga, ON – May 10, 2024
Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) announced 8 Matchmaker MicroGrant winners at their Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2024, distributing $26,800 in funding to artist-led projects that engage residents of Mississauga and provide meaningful creative work to artists. These funds provide matching funds to artists for their entrepreneurial endeavours and support artists and projects from all artistic disciplines.
“Our MicroGrant program instills confidence in artists, many of them receiving a grant for the very first time,” says Susan Durnin, MAC’s Administration Lead. “These grants positively impact their career progression, helping them reach new audiences while animating and beautifying our city. The winning artists impressed our jury with their impactful projects that range from music recordings, video productions, poetry nights, a visual art exhibition, and even a fashion show!”
“Last year, 17 volunteers helped MAC raise over $94,000 through 186 volunteer hours at RAMA Gaming House – Mississauga through the Mississauga Charitable Gaming Association,” noted Mike Douglas, MAC’s Executive Director, “MAC’s MicroGrant Program would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers who offer their time to provide these incentives to artists in our community.”
Congratulations to this year’s Spring 2024 Matchmaker MicroGrant Winners: Arlene Paculan, Caterina Sauro, Hibah Mian, Joanne Feely DeGraaf, Lorraine Brown, Matthew Zadkovich, Mileena Sobreira-Yousufy, and Sandra Clarke.
“I’m ecstatic to receive funding from MAC for my album! When I was in high school, I looked to MAC to find creative opportunities locally, and their programming connected me to a community of artists that I am still close with to this day,” says Mileena Sobreira-Yousufy, 2024 MatchMaker MicroGrant Winner, “This is the first grant I’ve ever been awarded and to have my next project supported by the Council is so special and full circle!”
The 2024 Matchmaker MicroGrant Winners are:
- Arlene Paculan – EP Recording Project: Ever Onward Believer
- Caterina Sauro – Poetry & Spoken Word Events: Exprosé
- Hibah Mian – Visual Art Exhibition: Dreamland Phase II: Unveiling Identities, Honoring Histories
- Joanne Feely DeGraaf – Visual Art Project: Woods of Wonder- Cawthra Trail
- Lorraine Brown – Fashion Show Event: Canada Celebration Fashion Show
- Matthew Zadkovich – Music Recording Project: 2024 Matt Zaddy New Single
- Mileena Sobreira-Yousufy – Album Recording Project: BABY
- Sandra Clarke – YouTube Video Production: Craftivism and Visible Mending Masterclass
About MAC’s MicroGrant Programs
MAC’s dynamic and impactful MicroGrant program provides funding for artist-led projects which have a pronounced and impactful connection to the public and bring recognition and increased awareness to the arts across the city. These MicroGrants are made possible through sponsor contributions and MAC’s fundraising efforts. Learn more: macarts.ca/microgrants
How to get involved as a volunteer:Want to make a difference in the lives of artists in your community? Contact Sherri Parliament at sherri@macarts.ca to learn how you can volunteer 2 hours of your time to fund a MicroGrant project.
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For more information about MAC’s MicroGrant program, please contact:
Sherri Parliament, Communications Manager
Mississauga Arts Council
sherri@macarts.ca