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Community Builders Awards: Iain Moggach creates unique opportunities for artists in Barrie

This year’s Arts award recipient is a professional theatre producer, director and educator helping our local community of artists to thrive

Iain Moggach is a dedicated community leader who is breathing new life into the local theatre scene, creating unique opportunities for artists and enthusiasts alike. 

Over the past eight years, Iain has created and led initiatives that amplify every voice and empower local artists to thrive.

As the artistic director at Theatre by the Bay, he goes beyond just offering job opportunities; he acts as a guiding light for local artists, nurturing their talents and helping them to succeed.

Iain recognizes that education and support are vital for emerging artists to flourish. His commitment shines through in the array of educational and mentorship programs he has founded and continues to provide.

In 2017, he unveiled the Barrie Theatre Lab, providing a platform for local playwrights to share their works in progress.

When the pandemic restricted theatre opportunities in 2020, Iain stepped up by launching the Professional Workshop Series. These innovative virtual events enabled local artists to learn from leading theatre creators from across Canada and connect with a network of like-minded professionals. 

In 2022, Iain unveiled the Simcoe County Theatre Festival, a groundbreaking initiative offering emerging local artists a stage to showcase their creations.

Since its inception, the festival has staged 12 plays, offering not just a platform for expression but also valuable training and employment opportunities for over 80 local artists.

Iain's impact on the arts community goes beyond individual endeavours. His support was instrumental in establishing the Barrie Arts Alliance, a cornerstone for advocating local arts and fostering collaborations among artists and organizations. 

Through his unwavering passion and dedication, Iain Moggach is crafting a richer, more diverse arts scene in Barrie - one that is accessible to everyone.

His impact is undeniable, an inspiring testament to the power of one person's vision to transform a community into a hub of creativity, where every artist can discover their unique voice and expression.

The Community Builders Award for Arts goes to an individual organization that has helped to strengthen the local arts community by championing an individual, event, idea, ethic or philosophy.

Congratulations, Iain!

This award is proudly sponsored by Braestone Horseshoe Valley.

BarrieToday is proud to make a difference in our community by highlighting extraordinary individuals and organizations with our Community Builders Awards, a foundational piece of our BarrieToday Cares program.

Our mission is to create meaningful change in Barrie — and inspire others to do the same.