September 9, 2026 The Electric City Culture Council (EC3), Peterborough’s municipal arts council, presents an all-candidates mayoral debate on issues in the local arts sector. “ArtsVote Peterborough 2026” at the Market Hall on Wednesday September 23 @7:00pm.  All declared candidates for Mayor have accepted our invitation to attendand answer questions from a panel of knowledgeable and experienced arts professionals and supporters, with opening and closing statements from each candidate.  Members of the audience will also be invited to ask questions and the proceedings will be recorded. ArtsVote Peterborough 2026 is a crucial event that seeks to clarify for the public and the arts community each leadership candidate’s views and positions on critical issues in the arts sector, such as: support for individual artists strategies for marginalized artists and art forms implementing peer assessment and support for EC3 the economic impact of the arts the value and effect of the upcoming Municipal Cultural Plan – how to implement the MCP and get results  building true stability in professional arts organizations improving access to and enhancing physical infrastructure such as arts venues and rehearsal spaces, smaller scale presentation and performance spaces making arts activities more accessible throughout the city  stable and knowledgeable staffing at city hall. Read the full bulletin here

September 1, 2026 Hello Everyone, EC3 is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Program of Grants for Individual Artists. This EC3 program, supported by the City of Peterborough, is strategically designed to provide financial support to local professional artists so they can bring their imagination, dreams, and visions to life and share them with Peterborough audiences.  It provides essential funding for the development, creation, production, and presentation of artistic projects, and assists artists to leverage additional funding from other sources, as they advance their practice and their careers. This is the fifth year for the program of Grants for Individual Artists, which has awarded over $197,250 in funding to 89 local artists, leading to new artistic events and projects across the City and County of Peterborough, supporting dozens more artists and organizations in the process. All grants are awarded by peer assessment juries. Applications open September 1,2026, with a deadline of October 13, 2026. Head to the EC3 website to find the full Grants for Individual Artists 2026 Program Guidelines and Application Forms, or read on to find out more about this program and how to apply.

Read the full bulletin here

Explore local artists here:
https://www.ecthree.org/program/spotlight-on-local-artists/

Each year, EC3 continues to expand our Spotlight on Local Black Artists Directory, an ongoing initiative that celebrates and highlights professional Black artists living and working in the Peterborough region.

We’re excited to share that we’ve recently added several new artist profiles to the Directory, making it even easier to discover great local artists working in a wide variety of disciplines, explore their work, and connect with them for exhibitions, performances, workshops, collaborations, and community events.

The Spotlight Directory is designed to increase the visibility of local Black artists while providing the community with a valuable resource to get to know this part of the local arts community. We encourage everyone to browse the directory, visit artists’ websites and social media pages, and keep this resource in mind when planning future programming or events.

This project continues to grow, our next edition of the Spotlight program will be coming soon! If there’s a local Black artist you’d like to see featured in the directory, please let us know so we can continue building this resource together. You can email us at: electriccitycc@gmail.com

Read the full bulletin here

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

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!

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!