YMA, TAAFI launch John Rooney Creator Fund
Created to commemorate John Rooney, the fund will continue his work advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity in kids media.
January 7, 2021
Canada’s Youth Media Alliance (YMA) and the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) have teamed up to establish a fund to support emerging LGBTQ+ and underrepresented talent in the animation industry.
Created to honor Canadian animation industry vet
John Rooney (pictured)—who died in December—The John Rooney Creator Fund will build on his work advocating for equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ talent in animation and kids media.
In his time working with TAAFI and YMA, Rooney did a lot to try and improve Canada’s kids industry, and the organizations want to commemorate his legacy, says YMA exec director