Creative and Cultural Industries in Kawartha Lakes

Where creativity, collaboration, and colour collide.

Welcome to the thriving Creative Economy in Kawartha Lakes. This burgeoning sector has witnessed remarkable growth, evident in the numerous craft-based studios dotting our picturesque landscape. Our commitment to Film and Television production is underscored by the newly established Film Office, streamlining the permitting process with a single point of contact.

The performing arts scene is vibrant, with four theaters in Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and Fenelon Falls hosting coral ensembles and concert bands, seamlessly blending with contemporary artists such as Dwayne Gretsky, James Barker Band, and the Strumbellas. Celebrating the caliber and diversity of visual artists, temporary public art installations like "That’s a Wrap" grace our streets until 2027, alongside galleries like the Kinmount Artisans Marketplace, Fenelon Station Gallery, and the Kawartha Art Gallery.

Kawartha Lakes continues to bolster this creative hub through initiatives like the Cultural Centre Feasibility study, curatorial and heritage services, Osprey Heritage Awards, and Operational Funding for Cultural non-profits. Join us in nurturing and celebrating the flourishing Creative Economy that defines Kawartha Lakes.

Local Kawartha Lakes Resources

In June 2020, Kawartha Lakes Council adopted a 10-year Cultural Master Plan (CMP) for 2020-2030. This plan aims to provide a long-term vision and strategic action framework to guide the growth of the local cultural economy, enhance quality of life, and support placemaking, ensuring it reflects the unique cultural identify of Kawartha Lakes.

The Kawartha Lakes Cultural Map is a hands-on tool to help you find and access information on over 700 cultural resources in Kawartha Lakes. The map is interactive and allows you to click on specific locations to find more information, visit their website or purchase event tickets.

The map includes:

Cultural businesses
Organizations
Cultural facilities and spaces
Festivals and events
Heritage assets

You feel like you're making a difference. Culture in Kawartha Lakes is significantly growing, and I feel like growing quickly. Really picking up and there are so many artists who live here.

Nicole Myers Mitchell, The Grove Theatre

Top Creative Economy Sub-Sectors

Public Art

image of women playing guitar and singing

Local Artisans and Makers

Film in Kawartha Lakes

Arts and Heritage Trail

Proudly located in Kawartha Lakes

Globus Theatre

Flato Academy Theatre

The Grove Theatre

The Lindsay Little Theatre

Available Programs to Support the Creative Economy Sector

Canadian Museums Association

Heritage Canada

Kawartha Lakes Arts Council

Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

Ontario Arts Council

Ontario Museum Association

Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8)

Local Education Programs Supporting the Creative Economy

Haliburton School of Art + Design

Haliburton School of Art and Design is known for providing unique and flexible programs taught by professionals who have shaped art, craft, design, media and heritage studies in Canada.

Learn at campuses in Haliburton and Peterborough that provide a one-of-a kind, hands-on studio experience. Their certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs will help you build a solid portfolio to take you to the next step - whether that's continuing education, embarking on a career, or starting your own practice.

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