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.

Working to strengthen Canadian arts and culture through policies, investment, sustainable practices, and public appreciation.

NEWS IN THE ARTS

Canada Council for the Arts Strategic Planning

Thank you to everyone who attended the most recent all-members meeting on February 9. We discussed the upcoming Canada Council for the Arts strategic planning, inviting input on how the Canadian Arts Coalition could represent its members and communicate their thoughts and recommendations to the Council. The top two recommendations received were to

Submit on the questionnaire on behalf of members
Provide consensus points for members’ submission

We will be moving forward on these two action points in the coming weeks, ensuring our members’ voices are heard in these discussions. We are also looking into the possibility of submitting a brief that outlines all of the concerns and feedback from our members, so please submit your feedback to info@canadianartscoalition.ca.

MORE FOR THIS MONTH

ADVOCACY & POLICY

Provincial budgets are rolling out over the coming weeks, and they will set the tone for arts and culture funding, policy, and priorities across the country. Please take a moment to check when your province or territory will table its budget, and keep an eye on what is proposed for arts, culture, heritage, and related files, including any new investments, freezes, cuts, or shifts in program design. If you spot something with implications for the sector, share it with your networks and with the Coalition.

TAKE ACTION & GET INVOLVED

One of the policy pieces that the Coalition will be focusing on in the next few months, as determined by a member’s survey, is the social safety net for artists and arts workers. Research has been done on this topic in recent years, and we are starting to find and collate the existing work. This is where we would love your assistance!

Please send us any resources, statistics, articles or other information you have encountered around Employment Insurance reform, Universal Basic Income, and other social safety net subjects to info@canadianartscoalition.ca.

FROM THE COALITION

We’ll soon be moving our member communications to our new membership platform. This includes emails, notices about membership meetings, and other important updates.

To continue receiving these messages in March and beyond, you must be listed as a contact in the new platform. If you don’t currently have an account, it’s likely because you’re not one of the designated contacts for your organization.

If that’s the case, please either:

Ask your organization’s main contact to add you as a Delegate in their membership profile, or
Email membership@canadianartscoalition.com, and we’ll be happy to get you set up.

If you’re unsure whether you’re listed, just send us a quick email and we’ll check for you. We want to make sure you continue to receive all our updates!

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 is hiring an operations and administration coordinator – deadline to apply February 27, 2026

February 13, 2026

Working for the Electric City Culture Council is a unique opportunity to be a part of developing and advancing support for the arts in Peterborough. As EC3 has grown, our need for more efficient operations and better systems management has increased. Join our team delivering grants and awards, residencies, professional development and more! Feel free to call for more information.

JOB POSTING
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
Posting date: February 10, 2026
Deadline for applications: February 27, 2026
Compensation: $28 per hour, 25 hours per week
Location: Hybrid workspace including home office and EC3 satellite office in downtown Peterborough.
Term: Position has no fixed term. This is a salaried position with all statutory benefits plus sick/personal days.

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. Our work builds and strengthens the foundations and infrastructure of arts and culture in our area, while contributing to the social, economic and community well- being of our city.

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

Our organizational impact has expanded and so have our professional management needs as we engage with more and more artists, arts organizations and other community partners and sponsors. Accurate information, easy access to well organized records and other material, and the capacity to produce events quickly and effectively is essential to our success – all on a low budget. This job plays a crucial role in strengthening our ability to provide arts funding, professional development and advocacy.

OVERVIEW
This position provides a unique opportunity to work in the arts community supporting EC3’s activities across all arts disciplines and genres, delivering a broad cross section of programs from grants and awards – to festivals and artist residencies, while providing administrative support and some event support for EC3’s operating and programming activities. The position reports to the Executive Director and works with other staff and contract employees to advance and reinforce EC3’s administrative and management capacity. This includes building information systems and data collection and retention, as well as production support and day to day administrative support.

This person is expected to know and understand the organization’s mission and vision, follow EC3’s policies and protocols, respect confidentiality and conflict of interest guidelines, and conduct themselves in the best interest of the organization and the community it serves. Knowledge of the arts and of the local arts sector, and the professional role of an arm’s length arts council, is an asset.

JOB DUTIES

Maintain and advance administrative and operating systems, including communications (mailing lists, media lists, fundraising contacts, applicants data bases etc.)
Respond to general public telephone and email enquiries, maintain office hours
Maintain operations manuals, archives and records (grant results, media coverage, process documents etc.)
Maintenance of social media tools, and an up to date and accurate website
Maintenance of event and meeting calendars, deadlines and undertake related research on same
Provide support in grant writing and delivering programming as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Post-secondary experience in not-for-profit administration
Excellent organizational, written and oral communications skills
Familiarity with computer technology, web site (Word Press) and social media including Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Mail Chimp, Word and Excel
Demonstrated ability to set and meet goals, and priorities, clear objectives and deadlines
Driver’s licence and regular access to a car are an asset
Passion for the arts and organizing details

HOW TO APPLY Please forward covering Letter and Resume with subject heading “EC3 Operating and Administration Coordinator Position” to: electriccitycc@gmail.com. Your covering letter should outline why you would like to work with EC3 serving the arts community, and how your education and professional experience would make you a good candidate for the job. Please review our web site @ https://www.ecthree.org/ .

For additional information or questions:
Su Ditta (she/her), Executive Director
electriccitycc@gmail.com
705-749-9101
Currently living and working in Nogojiwanong, on the territory of the Michi Saagig Anishinaabeg, in the lands covered by the Williams Treaties.

For the full announcement see the EC3 Bulletin: EC3 is Hiring!

EC3 in the News: Kawartha Now

September 23rd, 2021

“Spoken word artist Sarah Lewis is Nogojiwanong-Peterborough’s first poet laureate,” Kawartha Now.

Posted in Media Coverage, Peterborough Poet Laureate

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #58: New Guidance on the Vaccine Mandate from Peterborough Public Health

September 20th, 2021

On the Provincial ‘Proof of Vaccine’ Requirements for Indoor Businesses and Organizations

Hello Everyone,

This Wednesday, September 22, the provincial government’s ‘proof of vaccine’ mandate will come into effect for many businesses and organizations. Relevant to the arts and culture sector, this list includes: meeting and event spaces, bars, concert venues, theatres, cinemas, and film and TV production (among other categories – see the full list on this page). Patrons will have to show ID and proof that they are fully vaccinated (two doses) against COVID-19 in order to access the indoor areas of these spaces.

Thankfully, our local public health regulation whisperer, Keith Beecroft, Health Promoter, Family & Community Health at Peterborough Public Health, has sent along some updates explaining the rules and how they will go into effect. Take it away, Keith:

“As you’re likely aware, on Wednesday Sept 22, the province will be launching the ‘proof of vaccine’ requirements for many indoor businesses and organizations.

PPH has curated these resources to help support the role out of this new Public Health measure. All of the information you will need can be found here.

We will also refer you to the previously posted documents from the Ministry of Health:

Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act (gov.on.ca)
O. Reg. 645/21: RULES FOR AREAS AT STEP 3 AND AT THE ROADMAP EXIT STEP (Regulatory amendments/legalese that will come into force under O. Reg. 364/20)
Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy (Ministry of Health press release)
Using your Vaccination Receipt: Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers

For those that need a copy of their receipt: LINK

For those that need to book either their first dose or second dose: LINK

To provide further protection for the community and mitigate the fourth wave of COVID-19, Peterborough Public Health is issuing a letter of instruction for organized sport groups that will be enforceable under the Reopening Ontario Act in an effort to enhance the provincial requirements for proof of vaccination.

No doubt we will have more communication for you before this goes ‘live’, but wanted to give you the pieces you might need to support others under your guidance. (And as always – here if you need us!)

With continued thanks,

Keith”

Hope this information helps and keep the faith, folks!

Posted in COVID-19, Bulletin

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #57: COVID-19 Public Health Updates for the Arts: September 2021

September 15th, 2021

On Vaccines, Mandates, Workplaces, and Screenings

Hello Everyone,

It’s September, which means the start of the school year, the end of summer, and, as difficult as it might be to admit, a growing fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, arts and culture organizations are trying to plan and make decisions about rehearsals and events as September typically marks the beginning of a ‘new season.’

The Ontario government has announced that, as of September 22, proof of vaccination will be required to enter a number of categories of facilities, including concert venues and theatres.

Locally, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is formally recommending that all Peterborough workplaces implement mandatory vaccine policies.

With all this new information coming in, we once again wanted to provide some updates from our friend Keith Beecroft, PPH Health Promoter, Family & Community Health, who has some information for the arts sector about the new PPH recommendation, vaccines, and more:

1. Formal Recommendation: Workplace Vaccine Polices Strongly Recommended by Peterborough Public Health.

In an effort to save lives, reduce illness, and keep the economy strong, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is formally recommending that all workplaces in the City and County of Peterborough develop (or enhance) their workplace policies to require all employees to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless otherwise medically exempt.

Press release detailing the announcement
Letter of recommendation from Dr. Salvaterra to all workplaces
Website and tool kit to help you create an effective COVID-19 vaccine policy for your workplace (please take some time to review these resources – the website has all of the tools you need to create an effective workplace policy and will answer many of your questions)

This Letter of Recommendation is not to be confused with the provincial ‘passport’ system that will be launched shortly – it is complimentary but different. As soon as we know more about the provincial system, we will send the info your way, until then, these are the resources we refer to:

Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings – September 01, 2021 (news release)
New Requirement for Proof of Vaccination in Certain Settings: Frequently Asked Questions (frequently asked questions)

As of September 14, the Minister of Health has released more information about the incoming mandatory vaccine policy. Petebrorough Public Health will have more information about this in the coming days, but for now, here are the details that were just released:

Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act (gov.on.ca) (Guidance document from the province)
O. Reg. 645/21: RULES FOR AREAS AT STEP 3 AND AT THE ROADMAP EXIT STEP (ontario.ca) (Regulatory amendments/leagalese that will come into force under O. Reg. 364/20)
Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy (Ministry of Health press release)
Using your Vaccination Receipt: Frequently Asked Questions

2. A number of COVID-19 screening tools and documents have been updated.

Including:

Please ensure you are using current daily screening tools for your staff, patrons, and guests.

3. The vaccine works and is safe. If you haven’t yet, please book your first or second dose.

Highlights from the data:

“Unvaccinated cases accounted for the majority (95.2%) of COVID-19 cases reported since December 14, 2020 and up to August 7, 2021, with breakthrough cases accounted for only 0.6% (Figure 4).”

“Similar trends are observed for hospitalizations and deaths, with unvaccinated cases accounting for 92.5% of hospitalizations and 92.1% of deaths and breakthrough cases accounting for 0.8% of hospitalizations and 1.2% of deaths (Figure 4).”

“In the past 30 days, unvaccinated adults 60 years of age or older were approximately 14.2 times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 compared to fully vaccinated adults 60 years of age and older (Figure 5).”

This page lays out Ontario COVID-19 data nicely.

4. Self-Isolation vs. Self-Monitoring.

You’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 – now what? (This document details scenarios for people that are vaccinated and unvaccinated, in the event of a COVID exposure).

As the nights get colder, and days get shorter it could be easy to become discouraged – especially as news of the pandemic is unrelenting at times. Please have a look at these resources as COVID impacts not just our physical health, but mental health too. (On that note, now would be a great time to head outdoors and admire the ever-changing landscape the Kawarthas has to offer this time of year … after you create a workplace policy for COVID vaccination, that is!) 😊

With continued thanks,

Keith

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

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #56: Artsvote Canada Wrap-Up

September 13th, 2021

Following up on the Candidates Meeting on Arts, Culture, and Heritage in Peterborough–Kawartha

Hello Everyone,

Thank you so much to everyone who helped make the Artsvote Canada 2021 candidates meeting last Thursday happen, and to everyone who came out to the event, both in the room at Showplace Performance Centre and online on YouTube. It was a lively and thoughtful discussion of the issues that affect the arts, culture, and heritage sector now, and those that will continue to impact the sector for the next several years.

Watch it Again

You can watch a video of the full event on YouTube, or tune into Trent Radio (92.7 FM), who will be airing the meeting in full this week. (Watch our or their social media for announcement of specific times and dates.)

Find out More

Learn more about where the parties stand on the arts and other important issues. Head to EC3’s Artsvote Canada 2021 webpage for a number of valuable election resources. Browse the party platforms, look at the comparative analyses offered by the Canadian Arts Coalition and Orchestras Canada, and consider which parties have historically supported the arts.

Thank You!!

We have so many people to thank for Artsvote Canada.

Thank you to candidates Joy Lachica, Maryam Monsef, and Chanté White for agreeing to attend the meeting and for engaging with the arts, and thank you to Michelle Ferreri for her video participation.

Thank you to Nadine Changfoot, Fynn Leitch, Emily Martin, Elisha Rubacha, and Kate Story, for sitting on our panel of experts and for their insightful questions.

Thank you to Showplace Performance Centre for their support, for opening their long-closed doors to let Artsvote in, and for their technical assistance with the livestream.

Thank you to Steve Rose and Mike Morritt for their tireless efforts and their expertise to make the livestream happen.

Thank you to our photographer Andy Carroll, whose photos you can see throughout this Bulletin (full photo gallery here).

Thank you to the members of the Artsvote Canada 2021 coalition: Public Energy, Artspace, Peterborough Singers, Showplace, Market Hall, Trent Radio, The Theatre on King, Orchestras Canada/Orchestres Canada, ReFrame Film Festival, SPARK Photo Festival, New Stages Theatre Company, Peterborough Folk Festival’, and Peterborough Musicfest. Your ideas, cross-promotion and energy were absolutely vital.

And thank YOU for attending the event, for asking insightful questions, and for taking arts and culture issues seriously this election season.

Now Don’t Forget to Vote!

The federal election is coming this coming Monday, September 20, 2021. Find out your local polling station and what you need to bring along with you on election day, on the Elections Canada website.