The Royal Conservatory And BMO Announce New BMO Community Access Program

Building on The Royal Conservatory's 15-year history of inclusive concert programming and audience outreach, BMO and the Conservatory have teamed up to establish a new BMO Community Access program, which will expand and improve The Royal Conservatory's efforts to eliminate barriers to inclusion and access to the performing arts. The program will serve a variety of equity priority groups, including but not limited to Indigenous people, newcomers, refugees, visible minorities, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Black communities, and student groups.

Through existing and new community partners, the Conservatory will solidify and expand access to the entire concert season in Koerner Hall (nearly 100 concerts and events) to communities facing barriers at no charge. Thanks to the funding from BMO, 20 free tickets per concert and approximately 1,800 tickets per season will be reserved for equity deserving communities. This funding will enable marginalized communities, low-income individuals, and youth from underserved areas, to participate in cultural experiences to which they might not otherwise have access. By removing financial barriers, The Royal Conservatory and BMO will not only promote equity and inclusivity but also democratize access to the arts, foster a more diverse and engaged audience, and enrich the cultural fabric of our community.

“The funding support from BMO plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone can experience music and the performing arts, regardless of their socioeconomic background or circumstances. Together with BMO, we create a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape, where barriers to access are dismantled, and the transformative power of music is accessible to all,” said Mervon Mehta, Executive Director of Performing Arts at The Royal Conservatory.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with The Royal Conservatory and focus our commitment on driving greater accessibility to the arts,” said Helen Seibel, Head of Employee and Community Giving at BMO. “Supporting a thriving arts and culture sector is an important element of supporting a thriving economy. The BMO Community Access program will help provide entry for those who may not have had the opportunity previously, which exemplifies BMO's Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.”

Additional details about the program are available at rcmusic.com/BMO-Community-Access. Community and social service groups that wish to be considered to distribute tickets should contact tickets@rcmusic.ca at the Weston Family Box Office.

The BMO Community Access tickets are offered in addition to the Conservatory's longstanding Rush Tickets program, in which lower priced tickets are made available on a first-come, first-served basis for every Royal Conservatory Presents concert on the day of the performance.

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