NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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The City of Barrie’s Culture Days takes place from Sept. 24 to Oct. 24 and features an inclusive and interactive four-week schedule of activities.
This year’s theme is Re:Imagine and invites participants to imagine what a post-pandemic world could look like and how individuals can make that picture brighter.
Based on current health and gathering requirements, Culture Days programming will be delivered primarily online or through self-guided experiences, as well as through local organizations.
Highlights of this year’s programming include:
Brightening Barriers patio enhancement – Brightening Barriers is a temporary public art project that brings original works by local and regional artists to seven patios throughout the downtown. Patio fencing serves as a canvas, offering an opportunity to turn our “barrier" of imposed separation into a collective artistic experience. Enjoy a meal on one of the participating patios while taking a self-guided tour of all seven sites.
The Horn and the Heart anniversary – Saturday, Sept. 25 marks the one-year anniversary of the installation of The Horn and The Heart sculpture in Meridian Place. The sculpture, created by local artist John McEwen, honours the late Bob Hunter, a notable member of Barrie’s business and arts community. Culture Days is the perfect time to check out this unique piece of public art.
Self-guided tours – Either by foot or bike, people can find online self-guided tours of public art installations, key sites in Barrie’s heritage, and Indigenous spaces and languages.
Open Air Dunlop – On Saturday, Oct. 9, head downtown for a special edition of the Downtown BIA’s Open Air Dunlop. Activities include the October Tasting Trail, extended patio season, buskers, pop-up vendors, community booths and self-guided walking tours.
Online offerings – Enjoy a mix of contests, workshops, panel discussions, performances and talks, highlighting the diversity of culture and creativity in Barrie. Examples include tiny desk style musical performances, writing workshops, an ethical arts activity for kids, dance classes and poetry readings.
Partner-Hosted – Many community organizations are supporting Culture Days and providing unique programming throughout the month. Partners include the Barrie Public Library, Downtown BIA, Ontario Musicians Cooperative, MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie Film Festival, Talk is Free Theatre, Xcelerate Summit and the Barrie Public Art Committee.
This year, the City of Barrie is asking residents to capture Barrie’s arts and culture scene from their perspective and share photos showing what arts and culture means to them. Photos can be submitted via the Culture Days webpage or shared on social media using the hashtag #CreativeBarrie.
Click here for more information.
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