TORONTO, ON — JAYU, a Toronto-based charity committed to uplifting equity-deserving youth through the arts, has been awarded a $356,300 Grow grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to expand its acclaimed iAM Program.
The announcement was made at JAYU’s Annual Summer Slam, where youth, artists, and community members gathered to celebrate creativity and connection. MPP Chris Glover (Spadina–Fort York) attended the event to formally congratulate JAYU on the grant, which will be used to expand iAM Level 2 — an advanced stream of the organization’s core programming.
“Congratulations to JAYU Festival for receiving a $356,300 Grow grant. This investment will greatly enhance JAYU’s ability to provide transformative arts programming that fosters creativity and opens new opportunities for young people in our community,” said MPP Glover.
Expanding access to high-barrier arts training
Over the next three years, JAYU will support 150 youth through specialized training in disciplines that typically have high barriers to entry, including music production, photo editing, and digital media. The funding will cover staffing, workshop facilitation, software, and administrative costs, allowing the organization to deepen its impact.
“We’re incredibly excited to expand our programming,” said Nicole Dane, Manager of Development at JAYU. “This funding allows us to build on the impact of iAM and create space for emerging artists to continue growing, sharing their stories, and building sustainable careers rooted in creativity and community.”
iAM Program: Artistry rooted in equity and social justice
JAYU’s iAM Program offers multi-week workshops in poetry, painting, photography, and more, connecting youth to professional Artist Mentors, many of whom are alumni of the program themselves. The program emphasizes paid opportunities, mentorship, and a creative community grounded in social justice.
Celebrating the news at Summer Slam
The grant announcement was made during JAYU’s Annual Summer Slam, a showcase of young poetic talent in which 10 youth poets competed head-to-head for the grand prize. The event brought together a mix of seasoned performers and first-time voices, demonstrating the kind of community impact that programs like iAM nurture year-round.
“Organizations like the JAYU Festival deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
About JAYU
JAYU is a Toronto-based charity that equips equity-deserving youth with the tools to build economic resilience, artistic expression, and community through youth-led arts programming, human rights education, and mentorship. Programs span core arts education, employment, mental health, and annual showcases like the JAYU Festival of the Arts.
More information: www.jayu.ca | @jayucanada
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government that supports projects promoting health, well-being, sustainability, and inclusive communities. In 2024 alone, OTF invested nearly $105 million into 732 projects across Ontario.
More information: www.otf.ca
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