incite: Delivering on a mission

Since the incite Foundation for the Arts was formed in 2011, it has donated $11 million to local arts organizations.

On its 15th anniversary, the incite Foundation for the Arts is reaffirming its mission to revolutionize support for the arts in the greater Hamilton community. 

incite strives to enrich the lives of Hamiltonians and visitors to the city by championing charitable institutions of all sizes dedicated to the visual and performing arts.

The mission of incite is to support artistic excellence, strengthen the financial stability of arts organizations, and create opportunities, especially for young people, to experience the arts. It is clear that the arts are critical to a thriving community, bringing connection, joy, and meaning to residents, as well as contributing to economic health and viability.

Since its first year in 2011, when incite contributed $215,000 to 14 local organizations, it has pumped an incredible $11 million into Hamilton and Burlington, including $2.5 million to 45 institutions in 2025. Arts organizations have received grants ranging from $2,500 to $300,000.

At an anniversary celebration in April, incite leaders told grant recipients that the foundation is poised to meet the future. In fact, it is stronger than ever.

In the wake of the passing of founders Carl and Kate Turkstra, incite has restructured and enhanced its governance model in order to ensure stability, sustainability, and longevity. That process has clarified the foundation’s purpose and its plans to execute that mission, based on its values. 

The incite Foundation is committed to being flexible, pragmatic, and proactive. Grant applications and reporting are simple and straightforward, and the foundation is responsive and accessible to applicants. 

The incite board is led by chair Janice Locke. Jen Turkstra, daughter of the founders, and Joy Grahek, have both sat on the board since incite’s inception and ensure continuity of leadership. They are joined by new members Heather Beale and Ed McMahon. Liz Stirling is incite’s community impact manager, and grants are reviewed by Maggie Carr and Peggy Savage as well as the board.

Carl and Kate Turkstra believed music, theatre, literary, and visual arts are key to quality of life and critical to the future of Hamilton. And they deeply believed that everyone, regardless of circumstance, should be able to enjoy and participate in the arts.

That is their legacy and continues to be the guiding principle of the incite Foundation for the Arts as it commits to many more years of fostering the arts in Hamilton and Burlington.