One doesn’t need a ticket to get into this festival.
The Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay has launched an online culture festival in response to COVID19 and current social distancing measures.
Midland cultural development coordinator Karen Mealing said that with so many galleries closed and events and festivals postponed until later dates, the alliance wanted to give area residents a creative outlet they could enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.
Open to everyone, there’s no cost to participate in the family-friendly offering that’s meant to encourage people to share their artistic sides and inspire others in a wide variety of areas ranging from music and art to dance and performance. There's also a link for vendors to sell their wares.
Mealing, who sits on the regional Culture Alliance committee as an ex-officio member, presented the concept to other committee members Monday and had the festival's site up and running two days later.
She said children are also welcome to submit and share their works whether it be a painting or a video of a dance, as are writers and poets, who can upload a recording of themselves reading their works.
"Children's art and children's performances always brings a smile to people's faces," Mealing said, noting the site also provides an opportunity for residents to help others learn a new technique or skill by offering painting demonstrations along with music and dance lessons.
And with schools closed, there’s also the chance to see how things are made, which should be of interest to all parents, including those with a sweet tooth.
“We have a family in Tiny producing maple syrup,” Mealing said. “They’ll take some video shots of what they’re doing.”
Formed last year, the Culture Alliance is comprised of Beausoleil First Nation, Midland and Penetanguishene along with the townships of Tay and Tiny. The member communities recognized that the area’s culture isn’t defined by municipal boundaries and elected to work together to celebrate, foster, promote and leverage cultural resources within the Heart of Georgian Bay.
According to its website, some of the alliance's strategic priorities include support for creative individuals, cultural groups and organizations; support for events and activities; promoting the region; supporting heritage; and funding.
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