Bringing Art to the Classroom: A New Chapter for The SPACE Upstairs
Big News: The SPACE Upstairs Receives OAC Artist in School Grant + Community Support from Kawartha Credit Union
The energy from our 2025 Spring Showcase is still ringing through the rafters — and not just because of the brilliant artists who lit up the stage (though they sure did that!). This year’s event was also the stage for some truly exciting news: our Artistic Director Jillian Peever has been awarded an Artist in School grant from the Ontario Arts Council, with additional support from Kawartha Credit Union through their 2025 Community Involvement Program.
On stage at the Spring Showcase, from left to right: James King (representative from MPP Smith’s office), Jillian Peever (Artistic Director, the SPACE Upstairs), Lori Thornborrow (Kawartha Credit Union), Michelle King (Kawartha Credit Union), Corinne Penstone (Artists in Schools artist), Anne-Marie Hood (Artists in Schools artist).
The announcement was made live during the Showcase, with James King, representing MPP Graydon Smith’s office, sharing a few words of encouragement and support for our work.
“Ontario arts and culture sector makes significant contributions to the provincial economy and is an essential part of Ontario’s diversity and strength… the arts enrich our lives, contribute to pride of place, make communities more attractive places to live, work and visit and support a dynamic business…. the Ontario Arts Council has a northern arts program to ensure we are growing talent in the arts of all kinds… in places like Burk’s Falls and the Almaguin Highlands.”
We were also honoured to welcome leadership from Kawartha Credit Union, whose belief in the power of the arts—and the communities that grow around them—has played a pivotal role in making this funding possible.
What the Grant Means for Us (and for Our Community)
This Artist in School grant allows us to expand access to high-quality arts education for students in rural Ontario by bringing working artists directly into local classrooms. Through movement, creation, and critical dialogue, students will engage with contemporary performance in ways that are inclusive, exploratory, and deeply rooted in personal expression.
At The SPACE Upstairs, our mission has always been to share the performing arts and culture with everyone. This grant is a major step forward in helping us build a future where contemporary art isn’t something students have to travel for or wait to experience—it’s something that arrives right in their school gymnasium or community space, ready to challenge, inspire, and invite.
Gratitude
We extend our deepest thanks to the Ontario Arts Council for this opportunity, and to Kawartha Credit Union for championing our vision through their community investment. Your support helps us dream bigger and reach farther—into classrooms, into hearts, and into the future of rural arts education.
To all who shared in the moment at the Spring Showcase—thank you. We can’t wait to show you what comes next.
Jillian receives the “big cheque” from our friends at Kawartha Credit Union - thank you for your support!!
