Culture conference at MCC offers 'great learning opportunity'

Looking for inspiration as the region readies for another busy tourism season.

Well, the Midland Cultural Centre might be the place to be Friday with the Creative Communities Culture Conference - Re-engaging Our Cultural Communities taking centre stage.

Hosted by the Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay, the day-long event should appeal to artists, artisans and performers along with staff and volunteers of arts and culture organizations.

Conference presenters include leaders in the art and culture sector from across central and southern Ontario. There will also be panel discussions on topics such as “Re-energizing our Brand, Re-energizing Our Audiences, Re-energizing Our Volunteers and Re-energizing Our Cultural Communities."

Organizers say this is a great opportunity to learn what the best practices and strategies have been, or will be, from the leaders of arts and culture organizations.

“This is very important as we get back to normal after a pandemic,” organizers say, noting arts and culture organizations were hit especially hard during the worldwide event.

Participants in Friday’s sessions include: Chippewas of Rama First Nation Chief Ted Williams, Midland Public Library programming and engagement manager Faith Roebuck Shergold, Impact Culture founder and MCC board member Jordan Herald, author and radio personality Terry O’Reilly in conversation with founding MCC chair Fred Hacker and Drayton Entertainment artistic director and CEO Alex Mustakas.

Also on board are Volunteer Toronto executive director Cara Eaton and programs director Kasandra James, McMichael Canadian Art Collection head of exhibitions & publications Jennifer Withrow, Festival du Loup executive director Joëlle Roy along with regional tourism specialists from Prince Edward County and Bruce-Grey-Simcoe.

The Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay is made up of the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, townships of Tiny and Tay as well as Beausoleil First Nation.

“The pandemic impacted the economy, and communities need to work together to emerge from it successfully,” conference organizers noted.

“The Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay recognizes the need to support creative individuals, cultural groups and organizations, events and activities that make up the creative economy.”

For more information and tickets, click here.