Oak View Group & Canada Life Donate $20,000 to London Arts Council

Canada Life and Oak View Group announced today a $20,000 joint donation to the London Arts Council, reinforcing the shared commitment to investing in initiatives that strengthen London's arts and culture community.

The donation was presented during ExtravaBandza 2026, a free, full-day celebration of live music, arts, culture and community taking place at Dundas Place. The event, which serves as the grand finale of the LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program, features performances from emerging local musicians alongside arts activities, vendors, dancing and other community programming.

The contribution to the London Arts Council will support its ongoing work to strengthen London’s arts ecosystem and create opportunities for artists, arts organizations and creative initiatives across the city.

“Arts and culture bring people together, inspire creativity and contribute to a vibrant, connected city,” said Jeff Van Hoeve, SVP Business Integration, Canada Life. “That’s why we're pleased to join Oak View Group in helping support the London Arts Council and its work to create opportunities for artists, celebrate local talent and strengthen London's arts and culture community."

"Live entertainment depends on a strong community of artists, and every successful musician starts somewhere," said Kelly Austin, General Manager, Oak View Group at Canada Life Place. "Events like ExtravaBandza are a great example of the incredible talent and creativity within London’s arts community. We’re proud to collaborate with Canada Life to support the London Arts Council and help create opportunities for artists to grow their craft, connect with their community and take the next step in their careers."

Together, Canada Life and Oak View Group, operators of Canada Life Place, are committed to supporting initiatives that make a lasting impact across the London community.

The London Arts Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening and celebrating London’s arts community by supporting artists, organizations and creative initiatives. Through its programs, partnerships and community initiatives, the organization helps build a vibrant, accessible and sustainable arts community in London.

"On behalf of the London Arts Council, we are thrilled to receive this generous donation from Oak View Group and Canada Life to help strengthen our local arts and music sector and to celebrate this contribution during this year's ExtravaBandza, said Eunju Yi, Executive Director, London Arts Council. ExtravaBandza, presented by LBMX and the London Arts Council and supported by a variety of partners and funders, has continued to grow while providing valuable career development opportunities for participating musicians. These opportunities include portfolio development, performance coaching, major live performance experiences such as ExtravaBandza, and professional development workshops. Sustaining this work and serving London's artistic community requires ongoing operational support. We are grateful for this recognition of the London Arts Council's work and for this generous investment, which will continue to help us delivering programs and services that strengthen, support, and grow London's arts and music sector."