Brampton gets to work on arts and culture master plan
City announces consulting team to lead strategy

BramptonGuardian.com
Oct. 16, 2017
Peter Criscione

City council has hired consultants to draft up a road map for arts and culture for the next 10 years.

Following a request for proposals process launched over the summer, consultants Lord Cultural Resources and Nordicity have been chosen to develop the city’s strategic direction for arts and culture planning. Consultants will work with community-based steering committee will “provide expertise, represent diverse interests and oversee the plan’s development.”

“A vibrant arts and culture scene is a key component of any great city. It attracts residents, businesses, investment and tourism,” Bob Darling, director of economic development and culture, said.

“By creating a culture master plan for Brampton, we are proactively planning for and investing in the quality of our arts and culture scene, and in turn, enhancing its place value and economic potential.”

City planners have shifted their focus to culture after spending more than a year developing a strategy for parks and recreation planning.

Starting in early 2018, consultants will lead research and community engagement. A series of meetings are being planned with residents, artists, cultural organizations, civic leaders, visitors and all stakeholders.

The new plan is expected by June 2018. The document is supposed to help guide the delivery of municipal cultural services and investments over the next decade.

In announcing the winning bidders, the city described Toronto-based Lord Cultural Resources as a “cultural professional practice that has helped create iconic cultural destinations in 460 cities, in 57 countries, on six continents.” The company’s expertise, according to the city, “lies in cultural planning that builds cultural capital and benefits society, while respecting and valuing local context, cultural diversity and collaboration.” Nordicity, an international consulting firm that specializes in “business strategy and economic analysis for arts, culture and heritage,” will support Lord Cultural Resources.

“Brampton is a young and diverse city full of talent, passion, and creativity. A new vision for culture will build on the energy and achievements of our creative community today, and create a blueprint to drive culture in Brampton for the next 10 years and beyond,” Mayor Linda Jeffrey said in a media release.