County working on cultural study

By John Edwards Collingwood Connection Aug 28, 2013
Does the County of Simcoe have a role to play in the arts and culture scene?
That is what they are attempting to determine over the next month. The County is holding a series of stakeholder consultations and public forums in September.
One of the sessions is set for the Collingwood Public Library on Sept 12. The stakeholder session takes place from 3-5 p.m., with the public forum running from 6-8 p.m.
The sessions also take place at the Orillia Public Library on Sept.3, the Midland Public Library on Sept.5, the County of Simcoe Administration Building on Sept. 10, the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre in Alliston on Sept 11, and Innisfil Town Hall on Sept. 17.
Pamela Blackmore is the project coordinator.
“We are looking to get feedback and input from the public and from the stakeholders in the culture on what is the state of culture in Simcoe County,” she said.
Currently the County funds the County of Simcoe Museum as well as offers grants for heritage groups and cultural groups, but they have not done a full review.
“I don’t know if they’ve ever put together a full complete review of what is the potential in the culture sector,” she said.
Those involved with cultural groups and the public are welcome to give their opinions on what role the County should play.
Blackmore said the information will be put into a report and presented to County Council.
“I don’t have any pre-established opinion on what we need or don’t need,” she said.
Tanya Mazza is the arts and culture coordinator for the Town of Collingwood and hopes the regional cultural study leads to a plan that supports culture.
“I’m pleased that there will be a stakeholder session in Collingwood; our cultural community is aware of the role that culture plays in growing the local economy and enhancing quality of life and they will be able to contribute some great ideas and feedback in the discussions,” she said. “I hope that the Study leads to a regional cultural plan that supports culture locally as well as encourages synergies across the County. I think the more opportunities there are to talk about, and link to, a regional cultural plan, the more it will strengthen Collingwood’s cultural community.”