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.

New Culture Plan - coming soon!

The City is in the early stages of developing a new culture plan for the City of Thunder Bay and its partners with cultural planning consulting agency, Nordicity. The plan's development will span from June 2023 to May 2024 and opportunities for public input will be announced shortly. 

Please check back for details throughout the process. We look forward to shaping the future of arts, heritage, and cultural development with everyone!

Stakeholder and Public Engagement

A number of stakeholder roundtables, interviews and community pop-ups will take place throughout the week of August 28.

Community Pop-ups - Join us at one of our upcoming informal community pop-ups to share your vision for arts, heritage and culture in Thunder Bay:

  • Wednesday, August 30 - Goods & Co. Market (12-2pm)
  • Wednesday, August 30 - Live on the Waterfront (Prince Arthur's Landing Festival Area - 6-9pm)
  • Thursday, August 31 - Live on the Waterfront/fireworks event (Prince Arthur's Landing Festival Area - 6-9pm)

Stay tuned for the launch of the public survey for the new Culture Plan!

Inspire Thunder Bay Culture Plan

The previous culture plan, Inspire Thunder Bay Culture Plan, was a guiding strategic document that identified community needs and priorities and provided the City with a focus for future cultural development. It was developed through a process of Cultural Mapping, extensive community consultation. The plan has now reach the end of its lifespan, and a new culture plan is being developed to reflect the current and future needs of the sector and wider community.

For more information, contact Louisa Costanzo, Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events Supervisor - louisa.costanzo@thunderbay.ca or (807) 628-5250.

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