Culture Plan

Create. Connect. Grow. / Zhitoon. Anakoobideh. Maachiigiih.

A Plan for Culture in Thunder Bay / Inakoonigehwin Bimaadiziwin Omaaw Anemiki Wequedong

The Create. Connect. Grow. Culture Plan was approved by City Council on April 28, 2025. The Plan's development was led by the City of Thunder Bay's Recreation & Culture Division in consultation with cultural planning consulting agency, Nordicity. The plan reflects feedback from various community and culture-sector stakeholders, internal departments, Indigenous partners and leaders, and the general public.

View the Culture Plan

Thank you to all of those that helped shape the Create. Connect. Grow. Culture Plan!

Special thank you to our Steering Committee members and Indigenous Advisory Council Knowledge Keeper Member, Douglas Gagnon, for providing Anishnaabemowin and syllabic translations within the Plan.

Key Pillars

The following key pillars and objectives are identified in the Plan:

1. Celebration & Promotion / Mamakadendan Dagoo Waabidehyawmin

Objectives:

1.1: Integrate arts, culture, and heritage into the narrative of Thunder Bay.
1.2: Increase knowledge of and access to information about arts and culture activities locally.
1.3: Promote Thunder Bay as an arts and culture destination for tourists.
1.4: Showcase and celebrate the diversity of cultures in Thunder Bay

2. Spaces & Places / Daawamagad Dagoo Achigmigad

Objectives:

2.1: Activate the Baggage Building Arts Centre (BBAC) as a centralized hub for arts, culture, and heritage and a draw for visitors to the area.
2.2: Enhance public art and creative placemaking within the city.
2.3: Honour and recognize Indigenous presence, history, and culture throughout the city.
2.4: Support sector access to creative space and year-round opportunity.
2.5: Preserve the natural and built heritage of Thunder Bay, and integrate culture and heritage into urban design.

3. Community Connection / Anakay Dinakii

Objectives:

3.1 Ensure a variety of year-round arts and culture programming and experiences for all.

3.2 Build a more engaged and connected community through arts, culture and heritage.

3.3 Strengthen partnerships to activate public spaces across the city.

3.4 Address barriers to access to promote wider participation in cultural activities and running community events.

4. Honouring & Supporting Indigenous Art, Culture & Heritage / Manadendan Dagoo Wiidokadan Anishinaabe Bimaadiziwin

Objectives:

4.1 Collaborate on purpose-built space for the Indigenous community.
4.2: Increase economic opportunities for Indigenous artists and organizations.
4.3: Cultivate Thunder Bay into a centre for Indigenous gathering and knowledge.
4.4: Celebrate and support the vitality and diversity of Indigenous culture and events.
4.5: Enhance public education and
understanding of Thunder Bay's shared history and Indigenous culture.

5. Leadership & Support / Ogemahwin Dagoo Wiidookagehwin

Objectives:

5.1: Facilitate shared services and knowledge sharing across the sector.
5.2: Galvanize financial support for the sector.
5.3: Strengthen City capacity and enhance awareness and transparency around City support.
5.4: Foster growth of artistic talent and the creative economy.

For more information, contact Laurie Abthorpe, Supervisor - Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events at (807) 628-5250 or laurie.abthorpe@thunderbay.ca

A photo of the art project with participants pointing at the art

Performers, Morning Light Acoustic Duo, performing live music Display of cookies with city of thunder bay culture logo Performers, Sara Kae and Carter Fontaine playing live music

Culture

Culture plays an important role in defining and enhancing our quality of life. Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events oversees and implements the City's Cultural Policy and cultural planning. The section advises City Council on issues, policies and strategies related to cultural enterprises and activity in the city. Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events develops and manages cultural support programs, manages the City's Public Art collection, participates in City planning and undertakes special initiatives approved by Council.