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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EC3 is Hiring a Multimedia Archivist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 5 AT 5PM.

Participate in Peterborough’s Municipal Cultural Plan

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

EC3 Bulletin: Canadian Arts Coalition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the full bulletin here!

Chet Singh joins the EC3 Board of Directors

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

Chet Singh

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

EC3 Bulletin: Black History Month

February 18th, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Read the full bulletin here!

Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough (CFGP): Bierk Art Fund Grant and the EC3 Arts Awards Program

August 27th, 2015

In June, EC3 was the proud recipient of a $2,000 grant from the CFGP’s Bierk Art Fund to support the start up of the EC3 Arts Awards program.  This program will recognize the achievements of and provide cash prizes to distinguished local artists and arts champions.  The Awards will be given at the inaugural Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts in the late fall.  Many thanks to the CFGP, Bill Lockington (LLF) and Mayor Daryl Bennett for their support.

Posted in Uncategorized

Peterborough Foundation Grant and the EC3 CULTURE LAB

August 27th, 2015

In July, EC3 received a $3,000 grant from the Peterborough Foundation to support the development of a new knowledge and information resource-sharing project.  CULTURE LAB, is an on-line professional development and organizational capacity building tool kit for arts, culture and heritage organizations that will launch in 2016.  Many thanks to the Peterborough Foundation for supporting this important organizational development initiative.

Posted in Uncategorized

Ontario Arts Council: Multi-Disciplinary Project Grant and The Jackson Creek Project

August 27th, 2015

We received a $10,000 grant in July from the Ontario Arts Council to support The Jackson Creek Project, a special initiative of Artsweek 2015.  This project explores the social, cultural, political, historical and environmental impact and significance of the Creek in Peterborough.  EC3 has commissioned a number of new works from artists that will appear in Jackson Park and all across the city (where the Creek travels) as part of this initiative so, keep an eye out for the Artsweek postcard/map and brochure coming soon.

Posted in Uncategorized

MPP LEAL CELEBRATES EC3’s $156,000 ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION GRANT

May 21st, 2015

Picture
(Left to Right): Peterborough County Deputy Warden Joe Taylor, Bill Kimball (President EC3), MPP Jeff Leal, Dr. Ramesh Makhija, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer and Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett .
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
MEDIA RELEASE – May 21, 2015                                                                                                  
For Immediate Release

MPP LEAL CELEBRATES $156,000 ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION GRANT

Peterborough, ON – On Thursday, local MPP Jeff Leal and Dr. Ramesh Makhija, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer, met with members of the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) to formally congratulate them on receiving a $156,000 OTF grant to undertake a three-year development project to build and strengthen its organizational capacity. Mayor Daryl Bennett and Deputy Peterborough County Warden, Joe Taylor, also joined the celebration. This is exciting news for EC3, a new cultural service organization focused on supporting and advancing the local arts, culture and heritage sector.

“I am pleased that our government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is partnering with the Electric City Culture Council to support the ongoing development of the arts, culture and heritage sectors in the Peterborough and surrounding areas.  This funding will help provide the new organization with the tools it needs to raise the profile of these three important sectors in our community ”  Jeff Leal, MPP

Funds from the three-year OTF grant will help with EC3’s staff and program costs. With funding in place, it will help build EC3’s capacity and infrastructure, enabling it to present events in Peterborough and surrounding areas like Artsweek (September 18th – 27th), the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts, the Arts Awards program and professional development workshops such as “The Arts and Accessibility Cultural Incubator” in June. For more information on upcoming events, please go to: www.ecthree.org

“We are very pleased and grateful to have received support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to assist with the development phase of our organization.  This grant will help the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) hire an Executive Director, establish our operating infrastructure and build programming and services that will support and sustain the vitality of our cultural community for years to come.  We have received so much enthusiastic support for the idea of starting a Culture Council in our region and this grant will help our Board of Directors make it a reality.” said EC3 Board Chair, Bill Kimball.

The Electric City Culture Council’s mission is to develop and strengthen the creative ecology of the region by connecting creative individuals and organizations and by providing the leadership, advocacy, professional development, knowledge resources, networking, programming and collaborative partnerships, that will build and support the capacity and infrastructure of the local arts, culture and heritage community. 

EC3 acts as an antenna and sounding board for the arts, culture and heritage community. It develops and delivers services to help members, and the broader creative community, meet challenges, discover new opportunities, implement useful and innovative strategies and provides meaningful support to better serve artists, heritage professionals, cultural managers and audiences.

The leading grant maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF helps build healthy and vibrant communities. For more information, please visit: www.otf.ca


-30-

For more information please contact:
Bill Kimball: EC3 Board Chair, 705 745 1788 / Su Ditta: EC3 Management Development Coordinator, 705 749 9101

Posted in Uncategorized

Artsweek 2015 CALL FOR PROPOSALS now online

May 12th, 2015

Artsweek 2015 CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Artsweek 2015 (SEPTEMBER 18 – 27)
Deadline: June 5, midnight.

Download Full Application Form with Guidelines: Word Document or PDF

Timeline/Deadlines
May 12 – Call for Proposals Begins
June 5 – Call for Proposals Ends (midnight)
June 14 – 20 – Selection Committee Reviews Proposals
June 26 – Results Announced
Mid-July – Jackson Creek Projects Notified (if funding from OAC is received)
September 18 to 27 – Artsweek 
October 31 – Final Reports Due

Structure (Artsweek 2015 Programs)
Artsweek 2015 will celebrate the depth and breadth of the City of Peterborough’s artists and arts organizations in two ways:
1. By providing funding to support the creation of new work for the festival to be presented between September 18th – 27th 2015
2. By incorporating already planned arts and culture events happening during the week, into the Arts Listings section of Artsweek’s promotional material.

Those wishing to apply for funding to create new work as an Artsweek project, can submit their original ideas in any artistic discipline to the open call for New Ideas, or to of one of three specific programs: Blink, City Roots, or AlleyWaltz (details on each program and its associated artists’ fees below):

New Ideas

An open call for innovative projects from any artistic discipline for any location within the city. Including but not limited to performance (dance, theatre, multi-disciplinary), visual art (installations, interventions, exhibitions), media art, writing/spoken word, and music. Projects may be proposed by individual artists or arts organizations. The maximum amount available in this category is $2000. Budgets should detail the scale and scope of the vision.

Blink

This popular program from past years is back, inviting artists to respond to the windows of public spaces (street level or upper story) that don’t usually display art. Blink will bring transformative artistic interventions of all kinds (installations, projections, imagery, video, sound, performance), into businesses in the downtown core and East City. Artists do not have to identify a business, but are welcome to propose an idea for a specific business they already have a relationship with, or for windows that inspire them, or for projects that can go anywhere, in any window. Host businesses will be sponsors of the project through a cash contribution to Artsweek. Locations will be determined in consultation with the artists, the business partners, and Artsweek’s Blink coordinator, resulting in clusters of walkable exhibitions around the city inviting people to stop and stare. The fee available in this category will be $300-$500.

City Roots

City Roots is a new endeavor for Artsweek and aims to bring artists, community groups, neighborhood organizations and citizens together on creative initiatives all around the City of Peterborough to design and produce original projects.

Professional artists, arts organizations, and/or community organizations can propose City Roots projects. Projects must be led by a professional artist and will engage with residents of specific wards or neighbourhoods in co-creative activities.  City Roots projects should explore topics relevant to the chosen community (issues, histories, cultures, environments, etc), and outcomes could include: stories told, recorded, or presented; sites animated through visual art (photos, quilts, installations) or performance; places mapped; videos and/or sculptures made; temporary artworks of sight/song/dance created… anything that brings artists together with community members to co-create, could be a City Roots project. The funding available in this category will range from $500 to $2000. Budgets should detail the scale and scope of the project.

* Please note: If you plan to work with a community group or deliver programming to vulnerable members of society, you must obtain vulnerable sector screening for those involved. 

AlleyWaltz

Artsweek 2015 will present AlleyWaltz, a site-specific performance-based event situated in alleyways and other unusual spaces in downtown Peterborough. Audiences are led on a walking tour to experience each work. This year we are looking for 6 short performances, 8-10 minutes in length, which will repeat three times each evening for three nights in a row.

Teams or individuals are invited to submit performance ideas (dance, theatre, music, circus arts, puppetry, etc.) that would suit environments ranging from alleyways, parking lots, fire-escapes, to grassy knolls, which can be realized with low tech equipment such as live sound, portable lighting/available streetlamps and props/sets which can be struck after the final performances every evening. The funding available per piece will be $500 – $700, depending on the number of performers.

Arts Listings

To give the public a sense of the astonishing range of the City’s artistic offerings we welcome listings of events by individual artists or organizations already programmed between Sept. 18th and 27th.  Artsweek will include your listings in our promotional material at no charge.

Download Full Application Form with Guidelines: Word Document or PDF

Email submissions to: Artsweek@ecthree.org
Mail submissions (allowing 5 days for delivery) to:
Artsweek Submissions c/o EC3
PO BOX 2334

Peterborough ON

K9J 7Y8

For further Information contact:
Elizabeth Fennell, Artsweek Program Coordinator | Artsweek@ecthree.org | 705-868-1162

Posted in Uncategorized

Thank you to the Trillium Foundation

April 7th, 2015

We are happy to announce EC3 has received $156,000 over three years to form an arts, culture and heritage council from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Watch for developments.

Posted in Uncategorized

update on Peterborough’s Public Art Projects for 2015

April 6th, 2015

On March 12th The Arts, Culture & Heritage Advisory Committee (ACHAC) was updated on Peterborough’s Public Art Projects for 2015. 
Please click the link to read the report.
http://eagenda.city.peterborough.on.ca/sirepub/cache/2/o0hsgoaxilstmsl4vyn3oay4/7120504062015020937279.PDF
peterborough_public_art_update_2015.pdf
File Size: 210 kb
File Type: pdf

Download File

FIND OUT MORE ON PETERBOROUGH’S PUBLIC ART POLICY AND COLLECTION:

“The City of Peterborough adopted a Public Art Policy in 2009 that identifies the purpose and applications of Public Art. The policy demonstrates and formalizes the City’s commitment to Public Art for the benefit of city residents and visitors, and also identifies the necessary structures and processes for creating and selecting projects. An annual Public Art fund was introduced for commissioning new public art, and for the management and maintenance of existing art works.” – Municipal Cultural Mapping
Link to The City of Peterborough’s Public Art Policy –  http://www.peterborough.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=14051

Link to http://maps.peterborough.ca/culture/publicart/ for a map and photos of Peterborough’s Public Art collection with descriptions.

Picture
Launching Pad – Michael Fortune
Picture
Red 14 – Bill Vazan
Picture
Esker – Michael Belmore and Mary Ann Barkhouse

Posted in Uncategorized

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building
cultural incubators
artsweek
professional development workshops
advocacy
research
partnerships
networks promotion
education
arts awareness
representation
arts awards
forums
knowledge sharing
support services
strategic leadership
creative programming ideas
planning
solutions
convening
connecting
capacity building