BRAMPTON, ON (April 27, 2022) – In its inaugural year, the City of Brampton’s Arts, Culture and Creative Industry Development Agency (ACCIDA) has made great strides at helping transform, support and nurture Brampton’s arts community.
Last year, the Agency saw the addition of key team members that will help shape its growth and development, as well as six members that comprise the Inaugural Advisory Panel.
With a mission to incubate, advance, connect and advocate for Brampton’s arts, culture and creative industries, ACCIDA has done just that. Through ongoing conversation and public engagement with Brampton’s arts community, they have worked continuously to build relationships, provide support and address the resources needed for the community to succeed.
2021 highlights include:
Nearly 500 artists participated in online events, programs, information sessions and workshops in 2021 with 96% of attendees gaining new insight and perspective from the events
$100k was awarded to 75 local artists, musicians and performers through the COVID-19 Recovery Fund for Artists
Enhanced public art in the community through a range of mediums including murals in downtown Brampton, 38 artist and artisan booths and three major chalk-art installations at the Brampton Farmers’ Market, multiple digital exhibits in Garden square, a 3D virtual art gallery and much more
Engaged with nearly 200 artists and arts organizations through the Big Artist Space Survey to assess and begin to address the status of creative space across the city
Have ensured events and resources are free and accessible for all to attend and provided employment opportunities for local artists and arts workers.
Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton said, “Over the past year the Arts, Culture and Creative Industry Development Agency has done tremendous work to connect with Brampton’s arts community. They’ve been instrumental in supporting artists as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, have strengthened the arts as an economic driver and are transforming the City’s cultural environment into a thriving arts scene. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish this year as they continue to have a massive impact.”
ACCIDA is a unique organization incubating under the City of Brampton focused on growing, celebrating, advocating for and connecting the sector through a variety of programs, services and resources. The Agency will work alongside the City to deliver Brampton’s Culture Master Plan, which is a critical link in building a vibrant arts scene and creative economy.
Effective later this spring, ACCIDA will be re-named the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) and begin discussions on its transition to an arms-length organization in 2024.
For updates on ongoing initiatives and to review the full 2021 report, visit accida.ca.
