EC3 CELEBRATES NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY ON JUNE 21ST WITH A SPECIAL SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT CURATED BY WILLIAM KINGFISHER!

June 19th, 2026

National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated annually on June 21, coinciding with the summer solstice. It is a dedicated time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, resilience, and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.

Each year, as part of our work to recognize National Indigenous History Month (see our Bulletin here), EC3 commissions a social media project featuring the work of two local Indigenous artists. This year distinguished artist and curator William Kingfisher has selected poet Thamer Linklater (Unweave – poem from their upcoming collection The Place I Called Home) and visual artist Ashley Street (She Faces West: The Red Dress) to highlight the outstanding contributions to our cultural like in Nogojiwanong made by local Indigenous artists. Both the artists that William has selected open our eyes to the impact of the past and the history of Indigenous people. We hope you enjoy getting to know these outstanding artists and their work!

NIPD 2026 EC3 Social Media Project

Curator: William Kingfisher

William Kingfisher is an independent arts curator, artist and gardener. He is a member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Rama. Kingfisher is presently the Associate Artistic Producer at Nozhem First People’s Performance Space, Indigenous Performance Initiatives, Trent University.

As curator, for the ongoing project enaawendewin/relationships (2018-present), Kingfisher creates indigenous gardens as spaces of inquiry to explore a variety of themes and ideas such as, anishinaabe history and stories in contemporary times, anishinaabemowin, our relationship to the land and its cycles, the impact of colonialism in present times, the importance of traditional foods, making art materials from plants and the land, and the building of soil for growing healthy food. Recent projects include Cultivating as Inquiry, a performance with Lisa Myers and Thomas Olszewski (Grandfather’s Kitchen) that placed traditional foods and plants as the main actors, Chanie Wenjack Theatre, February 2026, Trent University. Consultant/artist for Lithic Life, a land art, pigment-gathering and paint-making project with Cole Swanson, Art Gallery of Peterborough, 2025-2026. Curatorial consultant for the Arthur Shilling painting, The Beauty of Our People, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, 2026. Consultant/artist for Mazinaw Rock Drawing Kinstillatory Project, with Kai Recollet, summer/fall 2026, Nozhem and University of Toronto.

Curatorial Statement: Thamer Linklater

Unweave (2019)

What I like about Thamer’s work is how they are able to share their experience and challenges of being Nehiyaw/Cree in the complexity of contemporary society. I have heard them share their poems in public gatherings with passion and understanding of the many struggles that Indigenous people face each day and this creates a crucial space for dialogue and healing.

Curatorial Statement: Ashley Street

She Faces West: The Red Dress (2025)

What I like about Ash Street’s project is both the artwork and the process that the artist used to create this piece. Inviting people to contribute and share in the process of creating She Faces West: The Red Dress by donating materials extends the project into a community space for dialogue, which is a crucial step to a better understanding and awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada.

Meet Thamer Linklater

Thamer Linklater is Asiniskaw Ithiniwak (Rocky Cree) from Nisichawayasihk (NCN) Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba. They work and reside in Nogojinawong/ Peterborough Ontario. They are a land defender, poet, artist and researcher. Their current work explores storytelling as a way of influencing change. When not engaged in research or writing, they enjoy reading, painting, drinking coffee, singing, and spending time with their partner and two pets.

Source: The artist

Unweave (2019)

Poem from their upcoming collection The Place I Called Home

We try rebuilding

homes without floorplans

We try reknitting

families without the pattern

We succeed because our blood knows

Despite us never seeing

a finished house

a blanket whole.

– Thamer Linklater

You can learn more about Thamer’s work on their website thamerlinklater.com

Meet Ash Street

Ash Street is a MichiSaagii Kwe and a member of Hiawatha First Nation. A community art project that began at the Peterborough Public Library led to international recognition, with the Red Dress installation selected for a prestigious artist residency in France. This work was created in recognition of Red Dress Day, Canada’s National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. The installation invites viewers to pause, reflect, and bear witness to the lives lost while honouring the ongoing calls for justice, healing, and remembrance.

Source: The artist and https://www.peterborough.ca/news/posts/red-dress-art-installation-leads-to-residency-in-france/

She Faces West: The Red Dress (2025), Ash Street, Peterborough City Hall (500 George St. N.)

She Faces West: The Red Dress (2025), Ash Street, Peterborough Public Library

We encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect, and celebrate Indigenous cultures, histories, and artistic contributions. We thank curator William Kingfisher, along with featured artists Thamer Linklater and Ashley Street, for sharing their work and helping foster meaningful dialogue and understanding.

Keep an eye on EC3’s social media channels in the coming days as we showcase their work!

Read the full bulletin here

EC3 Bulletin: National Indigenous History Month

Resources for Learning, Reflection, and Action

June 11th, 2026

June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day. This month is an opportunity to learn more about the histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, while also reflecting on the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the work that remains on the path toward truth and reconciliation.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many Indigenous communities have gathered at this time to celebrate their cultures, languages, and traditions. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.” (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 2026.)

EC3 has gathered a collection of resources to help our community learn, reflect, celebrate, and engage throughout National Indigenous History Month. We encourage everyone to explore these resources, support Indigenous artists and organizations, and continue contributing to meaningful action toward truth and reconciliation throughout the year.

LEARN

These resources provide opportunities to learn more about Indigenous histories, cultures, languages, and experiences across Canada.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report including the 94 Calls to Action. These recommendations continue to provide a roadmap for governments, organizations, institutions, and individuals seeking to advance reconciliation. We encourage everyone to read and reflect on these calls to action and consider how they can contribute to meaningful change.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21 was officially established in 1996 as National Aboriginal Day following years of advocacy from Indigenous leaders and organizations. In 2017, the day was renamed National Indigenous Peoples Day. Learn more about the history and significance of this day through this Government of Canada resource.
Government of Canada Indigenous Learning Portal
The Government of Canada offers a comprehensive collection of educational resources exploring Indigenous histories, cultures, languages, treaties, and contemporary experiences.
CARFAC Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts
Canadian Artists’ Representation (CARFAC) has developed a series of resources and toolkits for artists, curators, arts administrators, and programmers to support respectful engagement with Indigenous artists, communities, and cultural practices. The Ontario Arts Council’s Indigenous Arts Protocols video is also an excellent companion resource.
Native Land Digital
Explore Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages through Native Land Digital’s interactive map. This resource helps users better understand the Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories they live and work on.
WATCH, READ & LISTEN

Explore Indigenous stories, perspectives, and artistic expression through film, music, documentaries, and podcasts.
National Film Board Indigenous Cinema
The National Film Board offers a wide collection of Indigenous-made and Indigenous-focused films available for streaming. Their Indigenous Filmmaker in Residence program also highlights emerging voices and contemporary storytelling.

TVO Indigenous Collection
TVO’s Indigenous History and Perspectives collection features documentaries, interviews, educational resources, and programming that explores Indigenous experiences across Canada. This curated collection of documentaries and docu-series reflects Indigenous voices, histories, and perspectives from across the country and offers valuable opportunities for learning and reflection.

CBC Gem Indigenous Stories Collection
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month through CBC Gem’s collection of Indigenous-led films, documentaries, and series. The featured programming showcases Indigenous storytelling and offers opportunities to learn from diverse voices and experiences across the country.

CBC Indigenous Music Spotlight
Discover contemporary Indigenous musicians and artists featured by CBC, showcasing emerging and established voices from diverse Indigenous communities across Canada.

Reading for Reconciliation
CBC’s Reading for Reconciliation resources highlight books and stories that encourage deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences, histories, and cultures.

HEALING

The following organizations provide culturally grounded support services and resources for Indigenous individuals, families, and communities:

Talk4Healing. A free, confidential, and culturally grounded helpline available 24 hours a day for Indigenous women throughout Ontario.

Hope for Wellness Helpline. Provides immediate mental health counselling, crisis intervention, and emotional support for Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Native Women’s Association of Canada’s Elder Support Line. Available Monday-Friday 9AM-11AM EST & 1PM-3PM EST, Canada-wide. Call 1-888-664-7808.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Supports for Survivors, including support lines across Canada. Call 1-888-301-6426 in Ontario.

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program, offered by the Government of Canada as part of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement: 1-866-925-4419

Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle provides counselling and healing services for Indigenous women and their families.

SUPPORT

Canada Helps offers a list of Indigenous charities that you can support with your donations. Browse and support Indigenous organizations working in areas including community development, education, culture, health, youth programming, and reconciliation.

Local organizations include:
• Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
• Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle
• Peterborough Native Learning Program

For more information, please contact:
Shelley Knott, City of Peterborough Indigenous Relations Advisor: Sknott@peterborough.ca

JOIN IN

National Indigenous History Month offers many opportunities to learn, celebrate, and connect with Indigenous communities both locally and across Canada.

Peterborough National Indigenous History Month Events

The City of Peterborough is recognizing National Indigenous History Month with a series of free events, educational opportunities, cultural programming, and community celebrations throughout June.

As part of National Indigenous History Month, community members are invited to attend a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at:
National Indigenous People’s Day Celebration: Nicholls Oval Park, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Programming will include drumming and dancing demonstrations, Indigenous vendors, a sacred fire, and a strawberry ceremony at noon. The event is presented by the Urban Indigenous Working Group in partnership with organizations including the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, Trent University, Fleming College, and other local community partners.
Strawberry Moon beading: PPL, Saturday, June 20 at 1 p.m.
Bead an Ode’min Giizis (strawberry moon) themed pin while learning about seed bead embroidery. After beading, you’ll learn how to finish or edge your pin and secure the backing for a finished look. Please register through the library’s calendar at ptbolibrary.ca.
Adult Book Club: PPL, Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m.
All the Quiet Places, by Brian Thomas Isaac. In-person discussion takes place at 2 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. online. Registration for either the in-person or online event can be done online through the library’s calendar at ptbolibrary.ca.
BIPOC Book Club: PPL, Sunday, June 21 at 2 p.m.
Firekeeper’s Daughter, by Angeline Boulley. Register for the entire series through the library’s online calendar at ptbolibrary.ca.
Tween Book Club: PPL, Thursday, June 18, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mascot, by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell.
Film Screenings for Truth and Reconciliation: PPL
Attend a film screening exploring Indigenous–settler relationships in the Friends of the Library Community Room.
Spirit: PPL, Thursday, June 11, 6:30 p.m.
Spirit, a young mustang, sets out across the majestic wilderness to regain his freedom and save his homeland. This film is rated G and open to everyone.
National Indigenous History Month Events Across Ontario
The Government of Canada maintains a province-wide listing of Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day events taking place throughout Ontario.

We encourage everyone to take time this month to learn, reflect, celebrate Indigenous cultures, and support Indigenous artists, organizations, and communities. Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment, and every step toward greater understanding helps build stronger and more inclusive communities.

Be sure to keep an eye on EC3’s social media channels throughout the month, where we’ll be highlighting Indigenous artists, sharing their work, and celebrating the contributions they make to our local arts and culture community.

Read the full article here

Read the full bulletin here!

EC3 Bulletin: National AccessAbility Week

June 4th, 2026

EC3 AND THE COUNCIL FOR PERSON’S WITH DISABILITIES (CPD) MARK NATIONAL ACCESSABILITY WEEK.

EC3 and CPD have joined forces on a special project to draw attention to two local artists who live with disabilities and to whom accessibility in the arts is crucial. Poet P.J. Thomas is a published writer and visual artist Lynda Todd is an award-winning painter. These artists make invaluable contributions to our community as creators and as leaders. Please check out their work on our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ElectricCityCultureCouncil/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ec3ptbo/. Watch for their exhibitions and readings.

Check out the Council for Persons with Disabilities website here: https://www.pcpd.ca/ and EC3’s Art of Inclusion resources on our website here: https://www.ecthree.org/program_category/art-of-inclusion/ .

Please think about how you and/or your organization can make the arts more accessible to artists and audiences alike, and act now!

Read about National AccessAbility Awareness Week here:

“National AccessAbility Week takes place every year, starting on the last Sunday in May.

For 2026, join us from May 31 to June 6 to celebrate and promote:

the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canada
the work of allies, organizations and communities that are removing barriers
ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and disability-inclusive Canada
This year’s National AccessAbility Week theme is “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.”
It invites all of us, including governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals, to take action to advance a barrier-free country. Significant progress has been made to eliminate and prevent barriers, and by continuing to work together, we can build a truly accessible, inclusive and equitable Canada.
Our country is stronger when persons with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of society.
Together, we can empower each other and make a meaningful impact.”

Peterborough is celebrating NAAW with a variety of activities, check out Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ptbocpd/ for a calendar of events.

CPD is also celebrating its fifth annual Capable Con on Saturday June 06 from 10:00-2:00 at Quaker Park, join us for entertainment, activities, venders and much more. Check out the Farmer’s Market at the same time for some locally grown produce.

The Council for Persons with Disabilities is proud of our partnerships throughout the community, these include a variety of accessibility related organizations, services and businesses along with our friends from the Arts community, LGBTQ2SAA and the amazing people from the KPRDSB and PVNCCDSB. We wish you all a prosperous year and hope your National AccessAbility Week is a great success.

Please check out the City of Peterborough’s celebration activities here: https://www.peterborough.ca/news/recreation-parks-and-culture/.

Read the full bulletin here!

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.

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.

Photo Credit: Gabe Pollock
Image Description: A young man with dark hair, glasses, and a short beard gestures with one hand while speaking into a microphone. He is wearing a blue plaid shirt layered under a dark hoodie, standing in front of a softly lit neutral background.

Gabe Pollock has served EC3 and the arts community as our Director of Granting more than once. He always brought his outstanding knowledge of the local arts community to the position, along with exceptional organizational and administrative skills. Gabe contributed his considerable critical thinking capacity to policy and program development at EC3, demonstrated great sensitivity communicating with artists, supported juries impeccably and brought humour and diplomatic flare to all his work. His contributions to the GFIA, Artsweek, Poet Laureate, Bierk Art Bursary, Peterborough Arts Awards and COVID grant programs were remarkable.

Gabe left EC3 in January to pursue his passion for writing and journalism at Peterborough Currents. We miss him, are so very grateful for his steadfast, outstanding work and wish him the very best always. Cheers to Gabe!

Read the full bulletin here!

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.

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 in the News: KawarthaNOW

May 21st, 2021

“Peterborough Arts Alive Fund has $100,000 to help local arts organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for reopening” by Sarah McNeilly, KawarthaNOW.

Posted in Media Coverage

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #41: EC3 Launches Peterborough Arts Alive Fund Strategic Recovery and Resilience Grant Program

May 19th, 2021

Good news to share this week….

The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is pleased to announce the launch of its Strategic Recovery and Resilience Grants Program made possible by the Peterborough Arts Alive Fund (PAA Fund). This program is an EC3 initiative in cooperation with the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough (CFGP).

The Peterborough Arts Alive Fund provides grants to arts organizations with charitable status (and incorporated not-for-profits who have partnered with a “fiscal sponsor” who is a registered charity) based in Peterborough or the surrounding region (Peterborough County, Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations), working in any discipline and in any capacity, to assist them to effectively manage the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, respond creatively to the current situation, and prepare for safe and robust reopening when they can. Grants are available for between $1,500 and $10,000.

Information on the PAA Fund and the Strategic Recovery and Resilience Grants are available on the EC3 website and the Program Guidelines and Application form are available through CFGP’s online portal. All applications must be made through the portal on the CFGP website.

For information on the PAA Fund or questions about your application, please contact EC3 Executive Director Su Ditta at electriccitycc@gmail.com.

The Deadline for Applications is June 7 at 9:00 pm.

Applications are only accepted through the CFGP online portal.

For an arts organization to be eligible, it must be a registered charity or be an incorporated not-for-profit arts organization with a “fiscal sponsor” who is a registered charity. Priority will be given to professional arts organizations. Please see the EC3 website or CFGP’s online portal for further information on eligibility and other guidelines.

Thank You!

Our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude go out to all the EC3 and CFGP donors who made this program possible, to the City of Peterborough for its very generous contribution to the Fund and to the Peterborough Performing Arts Recovery Alliance for its additional fundraising efforts.

Additional Information

The Peterborough Arts Alive Fund

This fund, organized and administered jointly by the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough (CFGP), with additional fundraising support from the Peterborough Performing Arts Recovery Alliance (PPARA), EC3’s individual private donors, CFGP endowment donors, and a major contribution from the City of Peterborough, provides financial assistance to arts organizations to undertake both immediate, and strategic, long-term action to ensure that their organizations survive the impact of COVID-19 and continue to thrive in the future. The program is open to local arts organizations who have experienced revenue losses resulting in a negative financial, HR, or creative programming impact due to COVID-19, including liquidity, cash flow issues and deficits, staffing, infrastructure, audience attrition, revenue or artistic development, etc.

The Peterborough Arts Alive Fund supports the Strategic Recovery and Resilience Grants program for arts organizations who, in collaboration with individual artists and other not-for profit arts groups in their discipline(s), will work to stay strong, weather the COVID-19 pandemic, plan effectively for recovery (both short and long term), and deliver a successful “reboot” for the entire arts sector and cultural infrastructure.
This Fund provides grants to local arts organizations working in any discipline and in any capacity (creation, production, exhibition, presentation, publication, distribution, performance, etc.). The fund will assist in effectively managing the negative impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic, recouping the costs of keeping the organization afloat during the pandemic, responding creatively to the current situation, preparing for a safe and robust reopening when they can, and planning for a sustainable future.

Purpose of the Grants

These grants are intended to make survival and a great comeback more likely. Like all enterprises and not-for-profit organizations, arts groups need financial support to weather the storm and prepare to reboot once the crisis is over. This sector is full of creative ideas on how to make it through and bounce back hard, strong and fast when the time comes. Artists and community members alike are counting on arts organizations to do just that! The PAA Fund’s Strategic Response and Resiliency Grants will provide them with some of the tools and resources to achieve that goal.

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, COVID-19

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #40: Seeking Poets and Spoken Word Artists!

May 5th, 2021

Peterborough’s First-Ever Poet Laureate Program is Now Accepting Nominations

Hello Everyone,

EC3 is delighted to announce the launch of the pilot Peterborough Poet Laureate Program, presented in collaboration with the City of Peterborough. The Peterborough Poet Laureate is an honourary position established to enhance our civic identity and to recognize the excellence and outstanding achievements of professional poets (both print/page and spoken word) living and working in our city.

The Poet Laureate serves a one-year term, acting as an advocate for poetry and spoken word art, for the arts in general, and for the City of Peterborough and its residents. They 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.

Find the full Program Guidelines and Nomination Form HERE.

Nominate a Poet Today!

Do you know an exceptional print/page poet or spoken word artist?

Someone who can act as an ambassador for the arts in general, for the literary arts and literacy in particular, and for the City of Peterborough and its residents?

Someone who can explore and reflect our city’s interests and identities, and add grace and substance to city events?

Nominations are now open for the Peterborough Poet Laureate. The deadline is Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 11:59pm.

Nominations will be assessed by a Selection Committee including peers in the literary arts community, City staff, and local citizens. The Poet Laureate will be announced on June 23, 2021.

Information Session

Want to find out more about the Poet Laureate Program and how to nominate someone (or be nominated)? EC3 is holding a workshop and Q&A session on Monday, May 10 at 7pm via Zoom.

This session will go over the background of the program, the roles and responsibilities of the Poet Laureate, tips and tricks for how to put together a nomination package, and how nominations will be assessed and the Poet Laureate will be selected.

Thank You!

EC3 sends our thanks The City of Peterborough for partnering with us on the Peterborough Poet Laureate Pilot Program. Thank you as well to all the poets and spoken word artists who helped make this project a reality.

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

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: Peterborough is Seeking its First-Ever Poet Laureate

May 5th, 2021

Peterborough, ON – The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) and The City of Peterborough are proud to announce the launch of the Poet Laureate Pilot Program for 2021-2022.

The Peterborough Poet Laureate is an honourary position established to recognize the excellence and outstanding achievements of professional poets (both print/page and spoken word) living and working in our city 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. They 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.

The full Poet Laureate Pilot Program Guidelines and Nomination Form can be found at at https://www.ecthree.org/program/peterborough-poet-laureate-pilot-program/. Nominations are being accepted until May 25, 2021 at 11:59pm, and will be assessed by a panel including peers in the poetry and spoken word community, local citizens, and a City representative.

A formal announcement of the Poet Laureate will be made on June 23, 2021, and their term will run from June 30, 2021 to April 30, 2022.

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).

“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

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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

EC3 in the News: Peterborough Examiner

May 5th, 2021

“Bierk Art Fund Bursary up for grabs again for Peterborough high school artists” by Shaun McLeod, Peterborough Examiner.

Posted in Media Coverage

EC3 in the News: KawarthaNOW

May 5th, 2021

“The City of Peterborough is seeking nominations for the city’s first-ever poet laureate” by Sarah McNeilly, KawarthaNOW.

Posted in Media Coverage

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #39: Want to Study Art Next Year?

May 4th, 2021

Applications Open for EC3’s Bierk Art Fund Bursary Program for Post-Secondary Studies in the Visual Arts

Hello Everyone,

The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is pleased to once again be offering the Bierk Art Fund Bursary Program for Post-Secondary Studies in the Visual Arts. This bursary is open to Peterborough high school students completing Grade 12 in 2021, who plan to undertake post-secondary studies in the visual arts during the 2021-2022 academic year. It is made possible with support from the Bierk Art Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.

The Bierk Art Fund Bursary Program will provide two bursaries of $1,000.00 each to graduating high school students in the City or County of Peterborough whose work demonstrates great promise (artistic merit) and who have a serious commitment to pursuing further studies at the post-secondary level in the visual arts. Students will have the opportunity to present their work (including but not limited to portfolios) to a virtual jury panel comprised of arts professionals. The two successful candidates will be announced virtually immediately and celebrated at this year’s Peterborough Arts Awards.

Eligible students are encouraged to fill out a Bierk Art Fund Bursary Application Form (PDF) and send it back to bierkartfundbursaries@gmail.com by Monday May 17, 2021 at 11:59pm.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from EC3’s Assistant Program Coordinator Dorothea Hines with a designated appointment time and Zoom link to meet with the jury panel for a Portfolio Review during the last week of May. Appointments are 30 minutes in length. The jury will choose two winners after meeting with all of the applicants. All applicants will be assessed on the same criteria. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 31, 2021.

Find the full Program Guidelines HERE.

Portfolio Workshops

EC3 will also be running informal virtual portfolio workshops on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, and Tuesday, May 11, 2021 from 6:00 to 7:30pm on Zoom. We will talk about portfolio creation, portfolio review prep, and answer any of your questions about the application process. Additional portfolio workshops can be scheduled on demand.

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

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

Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff

Contact

For Bierk Art Fund Bursary program information
Dorothea Hines
Assistant Program Coordinator
bierkartfundbursaries@gmail.com

For media inquiries
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: EC3 Launches Nine Smashing New Projects for Artsweek SHIFT², a ‘Pocket Festival’ of Local Arts Events

April 26th, 2021

Peterborough, ON – The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is proud to launch Artsweek SHIFT², a series of nine COVID-compliant arts projects and events taking place live, in-person throughout Peterborough and online, between May 1 and July 31, 2021. Watch for further announcements as details of specific events become available. All Artsweek SHIFT² events are FREE to the public!

Stay tuned and enjoy a panorama of the best in local arts events, from puppet shows and poetry, to circuses on Armour Hill, dance and music. Online events and action in the streets will make your spring and summer alive with great talent from the amazing minds and hands of local artists. Don’t miss your favourite dancers, poets, theatre performers, visual artists and storytellers at Artsweek SHIFT².

This Festival program was developed through an Open Call for Proposals. Nine successful applications by individual artists and/or arts organizations out of 19, were selected by a five-member Peer Assessment Committee and received an Artsweek SHIFT² Project Production and Presentation Grant of up to $3,000 to create, produce and present new works as part of the ‘pocket festival.’

A complete list of all Artsweek SHIFT² festival projects and details about the ‘pocket festival’ can be found on Artsweek SHIFT’s website, and regular updates will be provided on Artsweek’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Artsweek SHIFT is a new COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery project created by EC3 in response to the postponement, until September 2021, of Artsweek 2020, the city’s biennial, multi-disciplinary festival of the arts.

Artsweek SHIFT began with series of arts events that took place in-person and online from October to December 2020, including two curated projects: Downtown and Post-Code Tour. The second phase, Artsweek SHIFT², included an Open Call for Proposals for two grant programs: Project Production and Presentation Grants (announced above) and Mini Grants to Professional Artists (announcement coming soon).

EC3 extends our sincere thanks The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) for their generous support in making Artsweek SHIFT² possible.

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

Posted in Media Release, EC3 Announcement

EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin #38: Unforgettable News Roundup: April 2021

April 22nd, 2021

Updates on Public Health, Federal Budget, and Grant Deadlines

Hello Everyone,

We hope everyone is still holding up and staying safe as we continue through this new stay-at-home order and the ”third wave.”

In today’s Bulletin, we provide some updates on a number of matters relevant to our sector. The 2021 Federal Budget for was recently announced, and it promises a significant amount of new funding coming to our sector in the next year (and beyond), as well as the extension of several key relief programs. We also have some important updates to pass on from Peterborough Public Health, and we have a list of some important grant deadlines coming up soon.

Federal Budget 2021

Earlier this week, the federal government unveiled their 2021 budget. The budget is heavily focused on pandemic recovery, and includes $1.9 billion in proposed funding for the tourism, arts, culture, and sport sector over the next five years. This includes new funding for festivals, music, heritage, cultural spaces, performing arts organizations, and more, and includes both expansions of current funding programs as well as new initiatives.

There are still many details yet to be revealed, and we will certainly be providing more updates in the coming weeks and months, but the Canadian Association for the Performing Arts (CAPACOA) has done an excellent job breaking down where the money is proposed to go. And for more details, see this media release from the federal government.

Note that all these announcements are in addition to the $181.5 million announced for the sector earlier this year.

Relief Program Extensions

The 2021 federal budget also includes extensions to several key programs that are helping many local organizations stay afloat: the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) are both being extended until September 25, and the deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is being extended until June 30.

Updates from Peterborough Public Health

As we continue under a stay-at-home order, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has some important updates to share:

If you are an employer, you are reminded to please let your staff work from home if possible. The order states: “2.1 (1) Each person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall ensure that any person who performs work for the business or organization conducts their work remotely, unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace.”
PPH has had an increase in calls from workplaces with questions about PPE and eye protection, and so has added more info to their Owner/Operator/Businesses Mandatory Masking webpage.
Vaccine eligibility is expanding. Check if you’re eligible for a shot with this handy table, and head to PPH’s Vaccine Info page for more.
PPH offers a page of safe activities you can do during COVID-19. Mental health and physical health are both important!

Upcoming Grant Deadlines

Here are some of the grant deadlines coming up soon:

April 28: Digital Now (Canada Council)
April 28: Media Arts Projects (OAC)
April 28: Community Building Fund (Ontario Trillium Foundation)
April 30: Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (Canada Council)
May 1: Peterborough Foundation grants (Peterborough Foundation)
May 4: Visual Arts Creation Projects (OAC)
May 5: Skills and Career Development: Indigenous Arts Professionals and Arts Professionals of Colour (OAC)
May 13: Music Recording Projects (OAC)

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

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 #37: URGENT – Have Your Say

April 19th, 2021

Fill out the City of Peterborough’s 2022 Budget Consultation Survey

Hello Everyone,

We hope that everyone is still well and staying strong, even as the pandemic continues to stretch on and lockdowns get extended. Please feel free to reach out to EC3 if you need to talk or want advice on specific projects or initiatives.

THIS IS A SHORT BULLETIN WITH A SIMPLE, BUT URGENT REQUEST.

The public consultation process for the City of Peterborough’s 2022 budget is in full swing and there is an important survey, the 2022 Community Priorities Survey, that citizens can fill out to indicate what spending priorities matter to them. This survey has a deadline of this Thursday, April 22. It does not seem to circulating well through Facebook pages in the arts sector, so we are reaching out to you directly to fill out the survey yourself, and get it out to your board members, memberships and audiences too if you can, with a request for them to fill it out.

Last year, spending money on arts, culture and heritage was pretty much at the bottom of the budget priority list in this important survey and the results were published widely in the media. As a community, we need City staff and Councillors to hear loud and clear that municipal funding for our organizations matters and that the arts are essential to our communities’ health and wellbeing. Completing this survey is a crucial step.

If they don’t hear from us, we cannot assume that arts funding will be secure in the 2022 budget, or that Community Investments and Project Grants budgets, Service Grants budgets or Public Art budgets will be secure in 2022.

Take part in this democratic process. It matters and so do the arts. Please fill out the City of Peterborough’s 2022 Community Priorities Survey.

This survey is the first step along the City’s 2022 Budget process, as City Councillors and staff gather community feedback that will guide funding decisions next year.

The city budget is always important, but 2022 will be especially crucial for our sector, as the pandemic enters a new phase: recovery and rebuilding. There will be essential decisions to be made in the coming year about how we use our money, who and what receives support and, ultimately, what we want our city to look like when all this is over. We encourage everyone to participate and make your voice heard.

You can find the survey HERE. Please fill it out by Thursday, April 22.

Budget Roadshow

If you are interested in participating further, the City is hosting a virtual Budget Roadshow consultation session this Wednesday, April 21 at 7pm. This is an opportunity to speak directly with City Councillors and staff about what’s important to you in the city and in the budget process. Details HERE.

Posted in Bulletin

EC3 CELEBRATES NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY ON JUNE 21ST WITH A SPECIAL SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT CURATED BY WILLIAM KINGFISHER!

EC3 Bulletin: National Indigenous History Month

Resources for Learning, Reflection, and Action

EC3 Bulletin: National AccessAbility Week

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

EC3 is Hiring a Multimedia Archivist

Participate in Peterborough’s Municipal Cultural Plan

EC3 Bulletin: Canadian Arts Coalition

NEWS IN THE ARTS

MORE FOR THIS MONTH

FROM THE COALITION

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Grants for Individual Artists!!

Chet Singh joins the EC3 Board of Directors

EC3 Bulletin: Black History Month

Thank You!

Additional Information

Peterborough’s First-Ever Poet Laureate Program is Now Accepting Nominations

Nominate a Poet Today!

Information Session

Thank You!

Applications Open for EC3’s Bierk Art Fund Bursary Program for Post-Secondary Studies in the Visual Arts

Portfolio Workshops

Updates on Public Health, Federal Budget, and Grant Deadlines

Federal Budget 2021

Relief Program Extensions

Updates from Peterborough Public Health

Upcoming Grant Deadlines

Fill out the City of Peterborough’s 2022 Budget Consultation Survey

Budget Roadshow