Toronto Star: Toronto library’s popular free Museum and Arts Pass program loses funding

At the end of 2018, Sun Life Financial will cut off funding for the program, which provides access to otherwise expensive museums and attractions.

By May Warren
Nov. 16, 2017

The Toronto Public Library's Museum and Arts Pass offers free admission to museums and attractions like the ROM. The library program's sponsor, Sun Life Financial, says it'll pull funding after 2018.  (Rick Madonik / Toronto Star file photo)  

Sun Life Financial has pulled funding for a popular Toronto Public Library program that offers free passes for museums and attractions like the ROM, Toronto Zoo and Ontario Science Centre, leaving its future uncertain.

The 10-year-old Museum and Arts Pass (MAP) initiative gives people with library cards access to passes for up to two adults and five kids that can be borrowed at any of the library branches.
Sun Life provided about $200,000 a year but decided to cancel that money because the program didn’t align with its re-evaluated priorities, said Paul Joliat, assistant vice-president of philanthropy and sponsorships.

“While the MAP program is a fantastic initiative, it doesn’t quite fit our refined criteria,” Joliat said. “These dollars are going to be reinvested within the arts and culture community across this country.”
The contract for funding is up at the end of the year, but Joliat said the company will continue providing it through the end of 2018 so the library is not left “high and dry.” He added that Sun Life will continue to fund the Toronto Public Library’s musical instrument lending program.

Despite losing the funding, Toronto Public Library spokesperson Ana-Maria Critchley remains optimistic.

“It’s a really successful program,” she said, noting that more than 1.5 million people have visited 17 cultural institutions they might not otherwise be able to afford.

“We’re very confident that we’re going to able to find another sponsor.”

Source: Toronto Star