Newmarket sets the stage for arts and culture

Newmarket sets the stage for arts and culture

Town launches Cultural Master Plan

NEWMARKET, Ontario, October 8, 2009 - The Town of Newmarket recently launched its first ever Cultural Master Plan, which will shape the future of arts and culture in Newmarket over the next 10 years.

"Arts and culture are an integral part of creating a vibrant and sustainable community," says Mayor Tony Van Bynen. "With the revitalization of our Old Town Hall and a number of other exciting initiatives outlined in the Cultural Master Plan, we look forward to the cultural renaissance that is going to unfold in the coming years."

After a year of conducting informative interviews with cultural leaders, surveying the public and having discussions with Town staff, the Town formulated the 10-year Cultural Master Plan, aiming to bring the cultural community closer together. Town staff will partner with community groups to ensure all future development is consistent with the cultural vision outlined in the plan.

Eight central themes are outlined in the plan, each with specific tasks to be accomplished throughout the next 10 years, which include:

• developing a comprehensive strategy for raising the profile of culture in the community;
• supporting increased coordination and development of Newmarket's cultural sector;
• strengthening and improving Newmarket's cultural places;
• developing a strategy for financial support for culture via municipal, community and private sector leadership;
• bringing a cultural lens to all Town initiatives; bring culture's role in public realm improvements to the forefront;
• fostering, supporting and recruiting cultural industries (particularly to the downtown core);
• managing and marketing the Historic Downtown & Fairy Lake District as a destination for both residents and visitors;
• reaching out to neighbourhoods, youth and newcomers.

Some highlights of the plan include the creation of a signage program for all cultural facilities, upgrading the Old Town Hall and the creation of an Arts and Culture Council.

"It is our goal to be widely known as a place with a broad cultural spectrum," says Ward 7 Councillor and Chairman of Cultural Master Plan Working Committee, Chris Emanuel. "By creating a cultural dialogue between the Town, community and cultural groups, we hope to bring a greater sense of pride to our citizens and attract newcomers."

The launch of the Cultural Master Plan kicked off at the Newmarket Theatre in September where arts and cultural demonstrations were showcased. The event included speakers addressing culture and the importance of the master plan and performances by some of Newmarket's talented residents; students from the Irish Dance Studio, pianist Ariel Kwan, Women Hand Drummers & Singers of Nin Os Kom Tin, and performers from In Harmony Dance & Wellness.

An electronic copy of the Cultural Master Plan can be found online at www.newmarket.ca.

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Media contact:
Danielle Goodridge, Communications Specialist
Tel: 905-953-5300, ext. 2043 | E-mail: dgoodridge@newmarket.ca