Funding empowers diverse, community-driven arts projects across Mississauga
Mississauga, ON – May 1, 2025
The Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) is proud to announce the 14 recipients of its Spring 2025 MicroGrant Program, which awarded $36,600 in matching funds to support innovative and impactful arts projects across the city. This vital funding supports local artists working in all disciplines, from music and film to visual arts and literature.
Since launching the program in 2019, MAC’s MicroGrant initiative has distributed $500,351 to 197 artist-led projects, strengthening the creative landscape of Mississauga and empowering local talent to bring their visions to life.
“This round of MicroGrants, we received 80 compelling applications for artist-led projects that were both imaginative and deeply community-oriented,” says Susan Durnin, MAC’s Administration Lead. “The 14 winning projects stood out for their originality, strong planning, and potential for meaningful community impact. We are excited to support these concerts, films, visual art installations, and literary events that will come to life throughout Mississauga in 2025. Congratulations to all of the winners!”
MAC’s MicroGrant Program is powered by its Matchmaker MicroGrant model, which pairs artists’ fundraising efforts with matching funds from MAC. This approach validates and multiplies each project’s impact.
“Our Matchmaker MicroGrant respects the work of local artists by matching their entrepreneurial fundraising efforts with real financial support,” says Mike Douglas, MAC’s Executive Director. “This program is made possible thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, who help generate funding by working shifts at RAMA Gaming House Mississauga. Their efforts continue to be a vital part of MAC’s support for Mississauga’s cultural community.”
Congratulations to the Spring 2025 MicroGrant Winners: Amanda Bernard, Anna Yin, Asha Ponnachan, Cynthia Crofoot, Dechen Yee, Emmanuel Teji, Leo Dias, Lincoln Blaché, Mehad-Munawar Muhammad, NeoVoce Choir (Jing Ning), Radhika Baskar, Raquel Jaworski, Saad Tauseef, and Stephanie Braganza.
Spring 2025 Matchmaker MicroGrant Testimonials
The impact of the MAC Matchmaker MicroGrant reaches far beyond a single project for myself but instead fuels creative resilience, expands accessibility, and reminds emerging voices that their steps matter — even when the path ahead is still being paved.
Mehad-Munawar Muhammad, 2025 MicroGrant Recipient
Over the past few years, we’ve successfully hosted virtual Indigenous beading workshops with hundreds of participants. With support from MAC, we’re honoured and excited to host our first in-person event — one that will uplift Indigenous artists and engage non-Indigenous communities through meaningful cultural learning.
Amanda Bernard, 2025 MicroGrant Recipient
The Spring 2025 MicroGrant Winners are
- Amanda Bernard – Indigenous Art Journey (community event)
- Anna Yin – Peace and Harmony through Poetry and Music (poetry & music project)
- Asha Ponnachan – Comical Depression (film)
- Cynthia Crofoot – Prioritized (film)
- Dechen Yee – STRINGS ATTACHED (community event)
- Emmanuel Teji – Shelf Life (Film)
- Leo Dias – Plein Air Competition at Riverwood Park (visual art event)
- Lincoln Blaché – Becoming (music recording)
- Mehad-Munawar Muhammad – Poetry By The River (community arts event)
- NeoVoce Choir (Jing Ning) – Revitalizing Senior Lives Through Voice and Fine Arts (ArtsCare program)
- Radhika Baskar – Veena Jazz Odyssey (music recording)
- Raquel Jaworski (Raquel’s Riot) – Let’s Inspire Female Talent (LIFT) (music event)
- Saad Tauseef – Chai & Samosa Open Mic Series (community event)
- Stephanie Braganza – Until We Meet Again (music recording and video)
About MAC’s MicroGrant Program:
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 MAC Charity Gaming 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.
For more information about MAC’s MicroGrant program, please contact:
Sherri Parliament, Communications Manager
Mississauga Arts Council
sherri@macarts.ca
Thank you to RAMA Gaming House & Mississauga Charitable Gaming Association for their generous support of MAC’s MicroGrant Program.
Thank you to City Centre Musical Productions for their contribution to our MicroGrant Program.
