“Celebrating 50 Years, Shaping the Future Together” is an artistic and community initiative led by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in partnership with the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario to mark the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag.
About the Initiative +
What is the “Celebrating 50 Years, Shaping the Future Together” initiative?
An artistic and community-driven initiative marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag. It brought together artists, organizations and communities across Ontario to co-create projects that reflect the diversity, history and future of the Franco-Ontarian community.
The initiative resulted in 17 selected projects that are now featured in a publicly accessible digital catalogue.
Who is leading the initiative?
The initiative is led by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, in partnership with the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario, with the support from the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Arts Council and TFO as well as numerous cultural, community and institutional partners.
How was the initiative developed?
The initiative was officially launched on September 25, 2025, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag and to open a year of celebration across Ontario. It began with an open and inclusive call for expressions of interest, allowing individuals and organizations to share an idea, connect with the coordination team and explore co-creation pathways rooted in their communities.
Why did some project leads submit a formal application?
Following the call for expressions of interest and discussions with the team, some projects chose to seek financial support to move their projects forward. These groups were then invited to submit a formal application, as part of the call for projects and following established guidelines, through the Ontario Arts Council platform. The formal application process was required only for projects seeking financial support.
The Initiative’s Progression +
Where is the initiative at now?
The projects have now been completed and are brought together in a digital catalogue unveiled on September 25, 2026, during Franco-Ontarian Day celebrations. The catalogue showcases the outcomes of a year of collaboration and collective creation.
How were the projects selected?
An independent jury—formed in partnership with the Ontario Arts Council—evaluated the submitted projects to guarantee a rigorous and equitable process that represents Ontario’s diverse regions and communities.
What are the next steps?
The digital catalogue represents the initiative's first major legacy product. The artworks, stories and creative content it contains will serve as the foundation for a digital immersive experience currently under development, offering an interactive way for audiences to explore projects from across Ontario.
Showcasing and Partnerships +
How will the projects be showcased?
The 17 projects are now featured in the initiative’s digital catalogue, available to the public at www.franco50.ca. This collective showcase highlights stories, artworks and creative expressions from communities across Ontario.
This work will continue through the development of a digital immersive experience that will help audiences explore the connections between the stories, perspectives and communities featured throughout the initiative.
Can people still get involved?
Although the funded projects have concluded, opportunities remain for promotion, partnerships and collaboration that help extend the reach and impact of the initiative.
Where can I view the catalogue?
The digital catalogue is available now at www.franco50.ca and showcases all 17 projects developed through the “Celebrating 50 Years, Shaping the Future Together” initiative.
Who can I contact for more information?
For any questions or to discuss an idea, please contact the coordination team at the Alliance culturelle de l'Ontario at:lg@ontario.ca
The digital catalogue is now available.
To stay informed about the next steps, you can subscribe to the mailing list of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
To explore partnership opportunities that support the promotion and broader dissemination of projects developed through the initiative, write to us at: lg@ontario.ca