HARRISTON – An event representing the importance of arts and culture in rural communities is making its way to Minto.
The Cultural Symposium is a partnership between Wellington North, the Town of Hanover and the Town of Minto Cultural Roundtable.
“Wellington North in partnership with us applied for a tourism growth grant last year,” town director of economic and community development Belinda Wick-Graham told the Community News.
“We were successful in receiving that.”
She noted there were four projects included in the partnership, including the Cultural Symposium.
“We did this last year in Hanover in May and it went over really well … [now] it’s our turn to host,” she said.
The event is slated for May 30 from 10am to 2pm at the Harriston Library community room (88 Mill St.).
The day will include two presentations, hands-on workshops and networking periods.
“We will be featuring baked goods from The Barrel House and lunch will be catered by May (owner) from May’s Café.”
Wick-Graham noted lunch will provide a time to network informally with attendees.
Kaitlyn Patience with Culture Days speaking at the Cultural Symposium last year. Submitted photos
Workshops include guests working together to brainstorm ideas on which they can partner.
“We’ve reached out across the region to invite people from Wellington, Grey Bruce, Huron County that has groups involved in arts and culture organizations, because we feel it is beneficial to the whole region,” she explained.
Tickets are available for $25 and can be accessed online, along with registration, at 2025culturalsymposium.eventbrite.ca.
“Last year 60 people attended, this year there is room for 50,” she said.
According to Wick-Graham, only 20 tickets remain.
“We are trying to support our arts and culture organizations in our communities,” she said.
Keynote speaker
Cate Proctor, owner of Proctor Shift Consulting firm, which supports arts sector research, development and operations, will be the keynote speaker for the event.
CATE PROCTOR
Proctor prides her practice on promoting the value of the arts ecosystem, bridging creative artistic assets to holistic community outcomes with local, national and international impacts.
Her presentation will focus on the importance of partnerships and groups working together to leverage their creativity.
“Part of my work in the arts and culture sector started in Prince Edward Island, which is very rural and remote,” she told the Community News.
She has been working in the industry for over 20 years.
“To be able to bring people together to learn off the benefits and successes of other work in this area … I think it’s hugely important,” she said. “It’s always beneficial to learn from each other.”
Proctor will also be hosting a workshop, guiding guests to gather the information from the day and “work with it for themselves.”
A book she published in 2020, Leverage the Arts Ecosystem to Influence Local Prosperity, will be available at the event for $20.
It’s described as a “partnership guide for arts administrators and community builders.”
Another presentation will feature Kristin Schaab from BC Hughes Tourism Consultants and focus on marketing for arts and culture, how to identify target audiences and reach them.
The symposium is open to all who are interested in attending.
