This story is made possible through the support of Housser's Paint and Wallpaper as part of OrilliaMatters' Community Leaders Program
The Orillia & District Arts Council (ODAC) has a new name and an expanded vision and region, and they are eager to let everyone know all about it.
“North Simcoe Arts is our new name, and our goal is to support and collaborate with arts and culture organizations and programming of any nature, throughout the North Simcoe region,” explained North Simcoe Arts Director of Communications, Kelsey Nicholls.
“Our region encompasses the communities of Coldwater, Orillia, Midland, Penetang, Severn, Tay, Tiny, Ramara, and Rama,” she added.
North Simcoe Arts foundational purpose is to advocate and support local arts and culture and those organizations that deliver arts and culture programs.
“For instance,” expanded Nicholls, “If someone was looking for a space to deliver an arts workshop, or house an arts studio, or host a musical event, that person could reach out to North Simcoe Arts and we would help them find a space, and help negotiate rental terms.”
North Simcoe Arts is also a registered charity, and as such, can partner with arts and culture organizations to apply for and manage monies from grants to deliver arts programming in the North Simcoe area.
“We can also help member groups to apply for insurance for events that they are hosting,” added Nicholls.
Another North Simcoe Arts initiative is to build a calendar of arts and culture events in the region on their website, as a resource for arts groups and people looking for cultural opportunities in the area.
The organization is also in their first year of a three-year grant to deliver an arts immersion program to the North Simcoe region.
“This is a mentorship program wherein folks are referred based on their needs regarding their mental health. They are paired with a mentor who is skilled in an arts medium of the client’s choosing: could be music, visual arts, woodworking, metal work…the two work together on projects and the client is integrated into the arts community with the mentor’s help and support,” said Nicholls.
North Simcoe Arts is also planning four cultural roundtables for 2025: on February 20, June 24, September 16, and November 25, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Creative Nomad Studios in Orillia.
“These will be an opportunity for cultural leaders and organizations to come together to collaborate, brainstorm, problem solve, and we can also see what we can do to help and support,” elaborated Nicholls.
Of course, North Simcoe Arts will continue to be a key partner in the Orillia Regional Arts and Heritage Awards, started by ODAC as the Orillia Arts Awards, many years ago. Now a collaboration with the Orillia Museum of Art and History, the November event usually attracts 18 to 20 nominees in 5 categories, and “is a chance to shine a light on those working hard to make a difference in culture and heritage in our region,” said Nicholls.
“2025 is the first year of our new direction and new strategic plan,” enthused Nicholls. “We are so excited to see what the future holds for us! We are actively looking for board members in diverse cultural areas, located throughout our region, to help us achieve our goals. We are also offering free membership for the first three months of 2025, as we work to implement our vision.”
She finished, “Our ultimate goal to build an inclusive, diverse, high-quality, thriving arts network in North Simcoe. We hope you will help us do just that!”
For more information on North Simcoe Arts, or to volunteer, email Nicholls at [email protected].
