EC3 Bulletin: Chelsea Day and Marcela Moreno join the EC3 Staff. Gabe Pollock says goodbye!

May 12, 2026
Photo Credit: Chelsea Day Image Description: Standing in front of a brick wall, a young woman with long dark wavy hair and bangs looks toward the camera with a soft smile. They are wearing a light coloured fuzzy sweater and layered necklaces.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Day
Image Description: Standing in front of a brick wall, a young woman with long dark wavy hair and bangs looks toward the camera with a soft smile. They are wearing a light coloured fuzzy sweater and layered necklaces.

EC3 is honoured to welcome Chelsea Day as our Director of Granting. A costume designer and stylist living in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong,  she has been involved in the theatre community working with 4th Line Theatre, Electric City Players and The Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Chelsea holds a degree in English Literature from Trent University as well as a Diploma in Library Technology. Her sensitivity to artists’ needs, excellent communication skills, and strong ability to manage systems make her an excellent fit for this position.

Chelsea is a familiar face to many after having worked in customer service for downtown businesses and restaurants for over 20 years. She is passionate about the Peterborough arts and culture community and is looking forward to working to sustain and continue to grow this community through her work with EC3.
Photo Credit: Marcela Moreno
Image Description: A young woman with her dark curly hair pulled back smiles brightly at the camera. They are wearing hoop earrings and a light beige top, posing in front of a softly lit neutral background.

EC3 is honoured to welcome Marcela Moreno as our Operations and Administration Manager. A communications professional based in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong, originally from El Salvador. She moved to Peterborough three years ago and quickly developed a strong connection to the city’s arts and culture community, finding a sense of belonging through its galleries, events, and creative spaces. Marcela holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Trent University, specializing in Marketing and Consumer Culture.

Marcela brings experience across nonprofit, educational, and private-sector environments, supporting organizational operations, communications, and community engagement initiatives. Her knowledge of systems and data management are a true asset to our work at EC3.

Creativity has always been central to Marcela’s life. From a young age, she has been drawn to creative expression and now uses marketing and communications as an extension of that creativity to support the organizations where she works. Marcela is passionate about the role arts and culture play in building community and is excited to contribute to strengthening and supporting the local cultural sector through her work with EC3.
EC3 is grateful to our funders who made it possible to hire such qualified individuals, and we know you will enjoy working with them.

EC3 is Hiring a Multimedia Archivist

April 29, 2026
JOB POSTING
MULTIMEDIA ARCHIVIST
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)

Posting date: April 28, 2026
Deadline for applications: June 5, 2026
Compensation: $21 per hour, 35 hours per week
Term: This is an 8-week position starting July 6 (flexible) –
Location: This is primarily a remote work from home position with occasional meetings at the EC3 offices.
Age qualification: The position is funded through Canada Summer Jobs for anyone aged 30 or under.

ABOUT EC3
A municipal arts council, the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is a not-for-profit arts service organization supporting the development of individual artists and arts and culture organizations in Peterborough and Peterborough County. Our programs and services provide opportunities for artists to create, produce, and present work, and for audiences to experience and appreciate the arts.

DEI: EC3 is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

OVERVIEW
After ten years of delivering successful programming and services, EC3 is creating a digital platform called EC3 Backdrop for our web site documenting our history and development, consolidating and rationalizing the video, audio, photographic and text documentation of our workshops, festivals, radio programs, special events and reports on granting and other programs. EC3 is anxious to capture and clearly identify all our essential landmarks and map a landscape that makes them accessible to researchers, professionals developing policy, artists and the general public.

JOB DUTIES
Reporting to the Executive Director, the multimedia archivist will join a team working together on EC3 Backdrop, the EC3 Fifteenth Anniversary Archiving and Cataloguing Project. Duties will include:

 Reviewing and cataloguing our photography archives – particularly Artsweek and Arts Awards
 Mapping the web site and creating a visual “connections tree”
 Cataloguing social media content from the past 5 years
 Cataloguing EC3’s You Tube channels content
 Locating and identifying content of other photos, video recordings and audio recordings in the EC3 archives
 Interviewing key stakeholders, including former board, staff and volunteers regarding event details as required
 Organize and review an EC3 Backdrop beta model
 Correct for accessibility etc.
 Plan the design and digital management of all archival material on an ongoing basis
 Plan and deliver launch of EC3 Backdrop as a practical and accessible ongoing archival system that works for a variety of potential users

QUALIFICATIONS
 Excellent organizational, written and oral communications skills.
 Demonstrated ability to set and meet goals, objectives and deadlines.
 Ability to work on a team and independently.
 Familiarity with computer programs including Office Suite, social media platforms, and web site construction and maintenance (Word Press).
 Knowledge of archiving tools and database management is an asset.
 Knowledge of the arts and the local arts sector is an asset.

HOW TO APPLY
Email a resume and letter that expresses why you would like to do this job and how your experience makes you a good candidate.

Send to canadasummerjobs@gmail.com with the subject heading Multimedia Archivist.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 5 AT 5PM.

Participate in Peterborough’s Municipal Cultural Plan

April 17, 2026
Follow this link to learn more about the Municipal Cultural Plan. Take the community questionnaire, sign up to attend the listening sessions, organize your own planning conversation and more.

EC3 Bulletin: Canadian Arts Coalition

March 26, 2026
EC3 advocates for the arts at all levels of government. Our work has included supporting the status of the artist through direct funding, basic income programs, stronger copyright laws, and increased investment in the government programs that support arts organizations and DEI initiatives in the arts. While we continue to advocate at the municipal and provincial levels at the City of Peterborough, the OAC and the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, we wanted to draw attention to the advocacy work of Canadian Coalition for the Arts, working at the federal level, by sharing their recent newsletter.

EC3 also had an opportunity to meet briefly with MP Emma Harrison to discuss the mission and mandate of the arts council, and the value and importance of funding programs at Canadian
Heritage. Our MP suggested that arts organizations advise her office when they do make an application to the federal government for funding. We look forward to future conversations.
Emma Harrison, Member of Parliament representing Peterborough, Ontario
Picture description: A woman with brunette hair in a tan coloured pea-coat is looking directly at the camera and smiling. She is standing in a snowy field with trees in the background.
 
Read the full bulletin here!

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Grants for Individual Artists!!
EC3’s GRANTS FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS fueled 17 new projects by talented local artists, creating a diverse bounty of new writing, theatre, circus arts, visual arts, dance, music and more for Peterborough audiences.
The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is proud to announce the 17 local artists who have been awarded a total of $35,250 through the 2025 Grants for Individual Artists program. This multidisciplinary program is funded jointly by the City of Peterborough and EC3, and is designed, delivered, and administered by EC3. This year, 50 artists applied for grants ranging from between $1,500 and $3,500.00. Grants are adjudicated and awarded by a five-person peer assessment jury.The Grants for Individual Artists (GFIA) program is divided into two components.

Component One: Mini Development Grants for Individual Professional Artists provides up to $1,500 to an artist for research, development, workshopping etc. of original new works and ongoing projects, as well as for professional training and mentorship opportunities to advance their practice. Funding provides a contribution to support artists’ work in writing, rehearsing, scripting, test filming, arranging scores, retraining, workshopping, etc.
Nine artists were awarded grants in Component One (total $12,750) in 2025.

Component Two: Project Creation, Production and Presentation Grants for Individual Professional Artists, provides up to $3,500 for the creation, production, and presentation to audiences of specific projects. Grants support costs such as artist fees, production materials, venue rentals, technical equipment, costumes, printing, etc.
Eight artists were awarded grants in Component Two (total $22,500) in 2025.

In total, the program’s open call received 45 eligible applications, and a five-member peer assessment jury awarded grants to 17 artists (total value of grants awarded: $35,250).  Artists working in every discipline, genre and medium were eligible, including those who work in multi-disciplinary or community-based arts practice, and in traditional or contemporary forms.  A complete list of grant recipients and their projects can be found below.

“We are particularly grateful to the City of Peterborough for their $25,000 support of this vital program in 2025, and to all of our funders for their ground-breaking contributions to the development of local talent and works of art. These investments in the efforts of our very talented and hardworking artists means more artists can realize their visions, contribute to our cultural, economic, community and social well-being, and make Peterborough a more vital and exciting place to live for all of us.  New books, poetry, concerts, plays, exhibitions, albums, and performances of all kinds will touch our hearts, minds, and imaginations.”
 –Su Ditta (Executive Director, EC3)
GRANTS FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS 2025 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Component One: Mini Development Grants for Individual Professional Artists

Tia Cavanagh – Indian Jones vs. The Vatican
Research and creation of an alter ego persona – “Indian Jones”, an Indigenized concept inspired by Indiana Jones, for a planned future performance piece about the theft of cultural artifacts.

Marta Chudolinska – Babcia: a papercut graphic novel
Artist fees to continue writing, drawing, and making papercut art for a graphic novel and to present a public artists talk about the artist’s process.

Michael C Duguay – Here I Go Into The Wobbly Yonder
Support for a period of research and experimentation focused on the intersection of music and “processional” art in the contexts of composition, performance and documentation.

Laurie D Graham – What Elements
Completion of a draft of a poetic nonfiction manuscript exploring what “land and home” could mean for the settler subject.

Nicole Malbeuf – Drafting Art/Children’s Book: A Hen Called Freedom
Writing/editing, book design planning and researching self-publishing for art book/children’s book hybrid, based on an original circus arts performance.

Kasonde Mutale – Black Radical Existentialism: an exploration
Research, creation and artist fee for visual and written storytelling exploring Black radical existentialism through African traditional art, revitalizing Black identity, dignity and pride.

Kate Story – Strangeness on Earth (working title)
Paying sensitivity readers, youth readers, and an artist fee for work on a new young adult historical fantasy novel set in 1817 Newfoundland and Orkney.

Lynda Todd – Migration #3: Land, Air & Sea
Purchasing materials to complete a series of tactile portraits of polar bears, penguins, and whales accompanied by braille descriptions, inviting all to experience their journeys.

Gillian Turnham – Indelible Architecture: From The Rubble; Ruined Not
Researching visual records of destroyed Islamic heritage sites in the Eastern Mediterranean, to inform a series of traditional miniature paintings memorializing architecture lost in conflict.
Component Two: Project Production and Development Grants for Individual Artists

Brad Brackenridge – Pinocchio
Creation of an original, family-friendly adaptation of Pinocchio involving puppetry, dance, and mask for a short run of workshop performances at the Market Hall.

Brooklin Holbrough – “Art-Work” (Working title)
Artist fees towards a zine that aims to demystify art and illustration as a career path for emerging creatives.

Thamer Linklater – The Place I Called Home
Editorial costs ( including copy and content editing) and graphic design to submit manuscript for publishing, either traditionally or self-published.

Kayla Mahomed – Kay Silver Debut Album Recording
Recording an album of original material with diverse influences in the pop-rock tradition with local collaborators in the Peterborough region.

Ell Parker – Heartbreakers | Dream Makers Volume 3: Servin’ [C*ntry]
Artist fees and venue costs to mount a multidisciplinary, country themed drag concert at Sadleir House. Featuring local artists, drag queens, and projectionists, the event seeks to deconstruct the heteronormative ideologies of country music, and provide a fun and inclusive space for queer individuals.

Benj Rowland – new peasant marching band
Artist fees and production costs for a marching band offering lively, themed performances at community events to engage audiences and celebrate local culture.

Esther Vincent – Are We Sleeping, A one-act play
Artist fees, venue rental, and actor fees to present a staged reading of a one-act script about a family facing dementia.

Ziysah von Bieberstein – Before the Tymbals Sound
Editorial and artist fees to prepare manuscript for submission to traditional publishers.

Read the full bulletin here!

Chet Singh joins the EC3 Board of Directors

February 21st, 2026
EC3 is honoured to welcome artist, educator and cultural activist Chet Singh to the EC3 Board of Directors. An accomplished artist and educator, Chet brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our work as a municipal arts council in Peterborough. His deep community connections, capacity to work in institutional and grassroots environments, and passion for the arts and artists will provide an enormous asset to our organization and our work for the arts in Peterborough.
 

Chet Singh

Dub poet, educator and social activist Chet Singh emerged with the first wave of Caribbean dub poets in the early 1980’s. He fronted the punk, reggae band One Mind, comprised of Trent students. After returning to Nogojiwanong two decades later, he’s released 6 albums. A founding member of Canada’s Dub Poets Collective, he also served on the board of the Ontario Arts Council. His work advancing diversity, equity, decolonizing and critical education has been recognized with awards for teaching excellence and educational leadership.
Read the full bulletin here!

EC3 Bulletin: Black History Month

February 18th, 2026

February is Black History Month and EC3 wants to recognize and celebrate the many great events happening in our community, and the people who make them happen.
Each February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations that honour the legacy and contributions of Black people all across Canada, and in their particular local communities.

The 2026 theme for Black History Month is: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”

This month is an important opportunity to learn about and acknowledge these people and their often hidden histories and stories.

We invite all Canadians to learn more about Black Canadian communities, and how they continue to contribute to and help shape Canada.

Along with the celebrations, Black History Month is a call to recognize the things that have been lost, the stories that have been suppressed and the racism that has haunted many of these people and the communities that they live in. Much of the programming outlined below provides us with the unique opportunity to learn more, to experience more and to build our capacity as anti-racist allies. It’s a chance to read great books, learn new dances, listen to fabulous music, enjoy the artists and their work and learn more about our friends and neighbours.

Read the full bulletin here!

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #61: Sector News Roundup – October 2021

October 22nd, 2021

Capacity Limits Lifted, Enhanced Vaccine Passports and App, Borderless Arts, Portfolio Workshops, and Grant Deadlines

Hello Everyone,

The past couple weeks have brought some dramatic announcements about COVID-19 public health and safety measures, with an increase in capacity limits for performing arts and other facilities, and the introduction of the new vaccine passport and scanning app.

This Bulletin includes details about both of these announcements, as well as some other pieces of news that have come across our desk. This includes some excellent arts programming from the local Borderless Music & Arts Festival, portfolio clinics at OCADU, and a list of upcoming grant deadlines.

Capacity Limits Lifted

The Ontario government has officially raised capacity limits in a number of categories of organizations, including concert venues, theatres, cinemas, meeting and event spaces, and commercial film and television productions. As of Saturday, October 9, capacity limits have been lifted to allow 100% capacity, up to 20,000 people.

The requirement for physical distancing in these spaces is also being lifted, but note that all other requirements are still in place, including: masking, proof of vaccination, active screening, the need to take advance reservations from all patrons, and the implementation of a safety plan. Still, this should make a huge difference for the performing arts and other cultural sectors.

Keith Beecroft, Health Promoter, Family & Community Health at Peterborough Public Health, provided the following explanation of the change:

“We wanted to provide some clarity and insight into the Provincial announcement that was made late on Friday October 9, 2021.

As it relates to the Performing Arts sector, O. Reg. 364/20, Schedule 2, Section 22 will be updated shortly to reflect the new requirements, until then, we are referring to the Order in Council– the technical document that will be used to amend the Regulations – to provide you with direction.

The Order notes that –

1. (1) Section 3 of Schedule 1 to Ontario Regulation 364/20 is amended by adding the following subsection:

(7) Subsection (1) does not apply with respect to the following areas:
1. Meeting and event spaces, including conference centres and convention centres.
2. Areas for spectators in facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities.
3. Concert venues, theatres and cinemas.
4. Horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues.
5. Places where commercial film and television production takes place

And then we cross reference that with the section to be amended in O. Reg. 364/20 which strikes out these capacity limits:

Capacity limits for businesses or facilities open to the public
3. (1) Subject to any other requirements set out in this Order with respect to capacity limits, the person responsible for a place of business or facility that is open to the public shall limit the number of members of the public in the place of business or facility so that the members of the public are able to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person in the business or facility.
(2) For the purposes of this Order, the maximum number of members of the public permitted in a business or facility that is operating in an outdoor setting at 75 per cent capacity is determined by taking the total square metres of area accessible to the public, dividing that number by 1.33, and rounding the result down to the nearest whole number.
(3) For the purposes of this Order, the maximum number of members of the public permitted in a business or facility, or part of a business or facility, that is operating in an indoor setting at 50 per cent capacity is determined by taking 50 per cent of the maximum occupant load of the business or facility, or part of a business or facility, as applicable, as calculated in accordance with Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Fire Code), made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

Plainly – in theatres and concert venues – there is no longer any capacity limit and you may operate at 100% capacity.

That said, our advice is:

  • Maintain previous capacity limits until such a time that you are able to safely create the space and systems needed to accommodate an increase in patrons, and
  • Ease your way into increasing capacity limits, taking a progressive approach to reaching new maximums, you are not obligated to enact these changes immediately

If you chose to increase capacity limits, you will also need to update your safety plan to account for:

  • New/additional staff coming onboard,
  • Increased traffic/decreased flow and how you will manage pinch points,
  • Decreased space in common areas like hallways, aisles and lounges,
  • Etc.

Please note, the only thing that has changed is the capacity limit; these requirements specific to the Performing Arts sector still apply:

If your performance is happening in an unconventional location (i.e., outdoors, over a meal, at a farm, or at another rural setting), or location other than a theatre or concert venue, please connect with us to discuss additional requirements.

We know that ‘simple’ announcements often come with logistical questions; should you have any questions, or need any clarity on anything – please don’t hesitate to be in touch.

With continued thanks,

Keith”

New Vaccine Passports and App

Ontario has entered the next phase of its rollout of the vaccine passport program, with the new QR code-enabled enhanced vaccine passports available for anyone in Ontario to download, and the new Verify Ontario app that businesses and organizations with a vaccine mandate can use to scan and verify these passports.

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, working with Peterborough Public Health, have put together an excellent guide to everything that businesses and organizations need to know. Here you go:

“The province released the new enhanced vaccine certificate last week. This enhanced vaccine certificate has a QR code on it so that it can be easily read by businesses and organizations who use the free Verify Ontario App to check proof of vaccination. (Patrons can download the advanced QR code vaccine certificate to their phone, businesses and organizations would download the Verify Ontario App to scan the enhanced QR codes).

With this announcement, also came some BIG changes to the proof of vaccination requirements that we wanted to flag for you:

  • There have been updates to the implementation documents – many of the businesses you support may find the answers they are looking for: Ministry of Health Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act (UPDATED Oct. 15), Ministry of Health Question and Answer document (UPDATED Oct. 15)
  • The Regulation AND the Guidance document now clearly state the following. This means that proof of vaccination should not be kept for any reason.: No person shall retain, record, copy, modify, use or disclose any information provided for the purpose of section 2.1 of Schedule 1 of O. Reg. 364/20 under the ROA…. A business or organization may use information provided as above solely for the purpose of confirming that a patron is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or is entitled to an exemption
  • Anyone who is verifying proof will need to be aware that there is a new exemption: Patrons who provide documentation that confirms they are currently participating in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial authorized by Health Canada and specified in this guidance, including Appendix C.
  • The ONLY app that is allowed to be used to check QR codes is the Verify Ontario App – this is stated clearly in the Guidance document (pg. 9) AND the regulation.
  • The app allows you to use 2 methods for checking proof, but paper copies must still be accepted. If there is a failed screen with the QR code, you must see proof via another method (e.g., paper copy) in order for the person to be granted access.
  • Click here for any person wishing to download their QR code
  • Individuals can also call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to them.
  • If patrons or businesses ask for more information, please refer them to Using your Enhanced Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions or they can call the provincial call centre at 1-833-943-3900.

As a recap, it is the higher risk indoor settings that require proof of vaccine to be shown.

What is the full list of settings (i.e., businesses or organizations) where patrons must provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19?

  • Indoor areas of restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments without dance facilities
  • Indoor and outdoor areas of food or drink establishments with dance facilities, including nightclubs, restoclubs, and other similar establishments
  • Indoor areas of meeting and event spaces with limited exceptions
  • Indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks, and personal physical fitness training with limited exemptions o Includes gyms, fitness/sporting/recreational facilities, pools, leagues, sporting events, waterparks, and indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events
  • Indoor areas of casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments
  • Indoor areas of concert venues, theatres, and cinemas
  • Indoor areas of bathhouses, sex clubs and strip clubs
  • Indoor areas of horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues
  • Indoor areas where commercial film and TV productions take place with studio audiences
  • Any of the following outdoor areas that have a usual capacity of 20,000 or more people (i.e., where 75 percent capacity would be equal to or greater than 15,000 persons):
  • Outdoor meeting and event spaces, with limited exemptions
  • Outdoor facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks, and personal physical fitness training with limited exemptions (Includes gyms, fitness/sporting/recreational facilities, pools, leagues, sporting events, waterparks, and indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events)
  • Outdoor concert venues, theatres, and cinemas
  • Outdoor horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues”

Borderless Music and Arts Festival

Over the summer, EC3 and Artsweek SHIFT² were proud to be able to assist with a virtual version of the Borderless Music & Arts Festival. This multidisciplinary arts showcase brought us four days of online events, centering women, BIPOC, intersectional identities, and inclusive community-building with an eclectic mosaic of music, dance, visual art, drag, poetry, comedy, circus, and film, all streamed online for free. Now, Borderless has started releasing a ton of these performances to their YouTube channel. Watch along and discover some of the best young talent in town.

Borderless will be returning soon with another livestream festival and are currently raising funds to make it happen – donate to their GoFundMe campaign.

OCADU Portfolio Clinics

Registration is open for OCADU’s Portfolio Clinics at Home. This is a series of virtual studio art and design workshops designed for learners ages 15 and up who are interested in sharpening their technical skills, learning new concepts, and exploring different methods of creating an artwork. Each workshop is taught by OCAD U faculty who are professionals in their field. Participants will come away with a better understanding of how studio-based research and creative process work can come together to support a strong portfolio piece.

There are workshops on a range of topics, each three hours, to take place over Zoom. Register here.

Upcoming Grant Deadlines

Here are some important grant deadlines coming up soon:

Please stay well and let us know how we can help.
TRACK THE IMPACT.

As always, keep checking the EC3 Facebook page, @ECThreePtbo on Twitter, @ec3ptbo on Instagram, and the COVID-19 Updates page on EC3’s website, where we are providing daily updates on programs and services available for ACH workers and organizations.

Be safe, stay healthy, and please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff

Contact
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101

Posted in COVID-19, Bulletin

Media Release: Celebrate Peterborough Pride With EC3’s ‘Art Loves Pride’ Program of New Works by Local 2SLGBTQ+ Artists

October 20th, 2021

Peterborough, ON – The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) announces the completion of Art Loves Pride 2021, a series of three commissioned works by local 2SLGBTQ+ artists presented on Instagram as part of Peterborough Pride. This year’s commissions feature works by three trans/nonbinary and BIPOC artists, Sahira Q, Carlo José Quinones, and Ále Suárez.

EC3 has organized Art Loves Pride as part of Peterborough Pride since 2018, to celebrate the close interconnections between art and queerness and to showcase some of the City’s outstanding 2SLGBTQ+ artists and their work. Typically taking the form of a float in the Pride Parade and activities around Pride in the Park, Art Loves Pride has moved to Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This online version of Art Loves Pride provides an opportunity for EC3 to support and promote some of the city’s talented 2SLGBTQ+ artists, to provide a platform for them at a time when many venues for performance are closed off, and to provide audiences with free access to great new art works.

Art Loves Pride 2021 includes three projects that are available on EC3’s Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/ec3ptbo/) and are archived on EC3’s website (https://www.ecthree.org/program/art-loves-pride-2021/). Audiences can access them any time, at no cost.

Sahira Q, a quirky yet lovable drag queen and “Peterborough’s punk princess,” presents a music video lip-sync performance of “Magnets” by Disclosure ft. Lorde as an anthem reclaiming pride and self-worth.

Spoken word poet and visual artist Carlo José Quinones offers “Open letter to Aries (born March 21-April 19),” a poem about slowing down and taking time, accompanied by a self-portrait photo collage.

Musician and expressive arts therapist Ále Suárez performs a cover of “Una Vez Mas” by Ximena Sariñana, a jazzy guitar song with Spanish lyrics, reflecting Ále’s personal story as a diasporic child who fuses different cultures within themselves.

If you would like to interview any of these three artists, please contact EC3 Program Coordinator Gabe Pollock (ec3.research@gmail.com).

The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is a not-for-profit service organization supporting the arts and culture community in Peterborough and the surrounding region. EC3 provides strategic leadership, research, resources and connections that build and strengthen the sector.

-30-

For Further Information Contact:
Su Ditta
Executive Director, EC3
705 749 9101
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org

Posted in Media Release

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #60: Videos for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 29th, 2021

EC3 and Peterborough Poet Laureate Release New Videos to Mark the Occasion, Plus Other Resources

Hello Everyone,

Tomorrow, September 30, marks the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities, and marks the tragic and painful legacy of colonialism and the ongoing process of reconciliation

Last week, EC3 and the City of Peterborough announced Sarah Lewis as the first-ever Peterborough Poet Laureate. Earlier this week, Sarah performed for the first time as Poet Laureate, at Monday night’s City Council meeting.

Sarah Lewis performs at City Council this past Monday.

Today, to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, EC3 has commissioned Sarah to create videos of the two pieces she performed at City Council. “Warrior Cry” and “Take Them Home” speak to the painful legacy that colonialism and residential schools have had on this country, and the strength and indefatigable resiliency of Indigenous peoples.

Watch the videos here:

More Resources

Local performing arts presenter Public Energy has released an excellent list of suggestions for more ways you can mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

  • Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, Niijkiwendidaa and Lovesick Native Women’s Association are holding a Sacred Fire from 12 pm to 3 pm tomorrow, September 30. There will be two readings of Phyillis Webstad’s book, The Orange Shirt Story, at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Space is limited to 20 people including staff at a time, so they ask that you limit your time and reserve a space with Rebekah, wellness@nogofc.ca.
  • Join the Memory, Truth and Justice event at Confederation Park (across from City Hall). This event takes place every Thursday from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. While walking in a circle, each person gathered will read, one-by-one, the actions recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the names of the missing and murdered women and girls in Canada, and, as they become known, the names of those buried at residential schools. They continue each week where they left off the previous week. When they are done, after many weeks, they will begin again.
  • Read and contemplate the [94 calls to action of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
  • Donate to Indigenous charities (This link includes local organizations, Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre and the Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle).
  • Listen to and watch the CBC’s special programming to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Please stay well and let us know how we can help.
TRACK THE IMPACT.

As always, keep checking the EC3 Facebook page, @ECThreePtbo on Twitter, @ec3ptbo on Instagram, and the COVID-19 Updates page on EC3’s website, where we are providing daily updates on programs and services available for ACH workers and organizations.

Be safe, stay healthy, and please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff

Contact
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101

Posted in Bulletin, EC3 Announcement

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #59: Art Loves Pride 2021

September 24th, 2021

EC3’s Annual Pride Project Returns to Instagram

Happy Peterborough Pride!

The city’s annual 2SLGBTQ+ celebration is on now, from September 17 to 26, and along with that comes the return of EC3’s annual Pride project, Art Loves Pride.

This year, Art Loves Pride includes a series of commissions from local queer artists, shared through EC3’s Instagram account, @ec3ptbo. You can head there now to find a brand-new drag performance by the inimitable Sahira Q, to the tune of “Magnets” by Disclosure ft. Lorde. In the next couple weeks we will have great new works by musician Ále Suárez and poet and visual artist Carlo José Quinones.

In a normal year, Art Loves Pride would include a float in the Pride Parade and activities around Pride in the Park, but for the COVID era, we’ve had to adapt. The online version of Art Loves Pride provides an opportunity for EC3 to support and promote some of the city’s talented 2SLGBTQ+ artists, and to provide a platform for them at a time when many venues for performance are closed off. No matter the form, Art Loves Pride is a celebration of art, queerness, and the close connections between them.

We also encourage everyone to check out the full schedule of Peterborough Pride events, including film screenings, meet and greets, and a virtual edition of Pride in the Park.

And for more Art Loves Pride, check out last year’s EC3 Instagram projects on our website.

Thank You!!

Thank you to Peterborough Pride for your support of Art Loves Pride!

Please stay well and let us know how we can help.
TRACK THE IMPACT.

As always, keep checking the EC3 Facebook page, @ECThreePtbo on Twitter, @ec3ptbo on Instagram, and the COVID-19 Updates page on EC3’s website, where we are providing daily updates on programs and services available for ACH workers and organizations.

Be safe, stay healthy, and please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff

Contact
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101

Posted in Bulletin, EC3 Announcement

Media Release: Sarah Lewis Selected as Peterborough’s First Poet Laureate

September 23rd, 2021

Peterborough, ON – The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) and The City of Peterborough are pleased and honoured to announce that spoken word artist Sarah Lewis has been selected as Peterborough’s first Poet Laureate. Mayor Diane Therrien will introduce Ms. Lewis at the City Council meeting on September 23 at 6:00 pm. You can watch the a livestream of the meeting HERE.

Sarah Lewis will serve as Poet Laureate from September 2021 to April 2022 and will create and present four new works for various civic occasions, as well as undertaking a program of special events and activities to promote literacy, poetry, local arts, culture and civic identity.

The Peterborough Poet Laureate is an honourary position established to recognize the excellence and outstanding achievements of local professional poets (both print/page and spoken word) and to enhance our civic identity.

The Peterborough Poet Laureate acts as an advocate for poetry and spoken word art, for the arts in general, and for the City of Peterborough and its residents. She will compose works to be presented at Peterborough City Council meetings and other City of Peterborough events and occasions. The Poet Laureate will receive an honourarium of $2,000.00 and an additional $500.00 from EC3, provided by an anonymous donor.

Sarah Lewis (she/her) is an Anishnaabe Kwe (Ojibwe/Cree), spoken word artist from Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario, who has lived in the City of Peterborough. She is a proud member of the 2019 Peterborough Poetry Slam Team, as well as a national semi-finalist at the 2019 Canadian Festival of Spoken Word. Sarah has performed her works at approximately 15 slam poetry competitions and dozens of community events, has had her work published in the Edmonton Indigenous Artists Anthology and will be featured shortly on CBC’s Arts YouTube channel.

She is a mother, social justice activist, performer, community organizer, dreamer, and curious spirit in pursuit of answers about the universe. Her poetry highlights the struggles and more importantly, the resiliency within Indigenous communities. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Trent University.

The Poet Laureate was selected in a competitive process by a Peer Assessment/Selection Committee including well-recognized writers, academics, poets, songwriters and spoken word artists Jon Hedderwick, Gordon Johnson, Lillian Allen, Andrew Ihamaki and Nick Ferrio. The selection was reviewed and endorsed by the City’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee (ACHAC). This was a two-step process; three shortlisted candidates in the competition participated in an interview and presented their work to the Committee. Outstanding finalists also included accomplished artists Justin Million and Ziysah von Bieberstein.

The Selection Committee was deeply impressed by the beauty of Sarah Lewis’ language, the remarkable ‘architecture’ of her work, the creativity and finesse of her presentation, and the all-embracing concepts she brings to bear on ideas about community, citizenship, history and identity.

The City of Peterborough is responsible for the Poet Laureate Pilot Program, which is administered by the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) under the guidance of the City of Peterborough’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee (ACHAC).

The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is a not-for-profit service organization supporting the arts and culture community in Peterborough and the surrounding region. EC3 provides strategic leadership, research, resources and connections that build and strengthen the sector.

“Through poetry, a Poet Laureate inspires us and encourages us to reflect on our lives and the life of our community. Thank you to Electric City Culture Council for working with the City to create this exciting new pilot program. The arts community is a key part of the cultural, social and economic vibrancy of Peterborough. Our first Poet Laureate is arriving at a milestone in the history of our community as we look forward to emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic when we will build back better together.” — City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien

Media
Sarah Lewis photo

-30-

For Further Information Contact:
Su Ditta
Executive Director, EC3
705 749 9101
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org

Posted in Media Release, EC3 Announcement, Peterborough Poet Laureate

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artsweek
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advocacy
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artsweek
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artsweek
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artsweek
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