New Thunder Bay Culture Plan

As we move forward in the development of our new Culture Plan, we invited the public to join us for a free evening of performance and art while having the opportunity to shape our new plan by providing valuable feedback and answering some key questions. For those unable to attend, we invited you to answer our key questions in the below survey, Culture Vibes Public Open House Questions, which is now closed. Thank you to all who shared their views in person and online!

Background

The City of Thunder Bay is in the process of developing a new Culture Plan.

It will help identify priorities, provide directions, and anticipate challenges ahead to ensure there is community access to the arts, and the necessary support for the arts, culture, and heritage sector to thrive.

As part of the strategy development process, the City has connected with a wide range of community members. All input has been invaluable in helping to shape the future direction and priorities towards building a vibrant community!

Two surveys were available from Aug. 30 - Oct. 11, 2023:

• Artists/Arts & Culture Community Survey - This survey asks specific questions about the needs of those who work as artists or in the arts, culture, and heritage sector in Thunder Bay.
  
  
• General Public Survey - This survey asks specific questions about barriers to access and what the general public wants to see in terms of arts, culture, and heritage sector in Thunder Bay.

And pop-up booths were also held on Aug. 30 & 31, 2023 at Goods & Co. and Live on the Waterfront.

About Thunder Bay’s Municipal Culture Plan
The City of Thunder Bay recognizes the important and varied role arts, culture, and heritage play in the local community. Over the past decade, the city has been guided by its Inspire Thunder Bay Culture Plan. With this plan winding down, the time is right for a new Culture Plan that reflects shifting priorities around arts, culture, and heritage in Thunder Bay.

As such, the City of Thunder Bay has begun the process of developing a new Municipal Culture Plan. For the next five years, this new plan will become the supporting document for arts, culture, and heritage sector partners in the city.

About Nordicity
To help carry out this work, the City of Thunder Bay has secured the services of Nordicity, a consulting firm with expertise across the arts, culture, and creative sectors. Nordicity is one of Canada’s leaders in strategy development and culture planning. Nordicity is carrying out all research and engagement for the purpose of this new Culture Plan.

Nordicity’s partner, Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, is the lead for Indigenous engagements. Cynthia is the Chair for Truth and Reconciliation at Lakehead University, Orillia and Thunder Bay. She is a member and resident of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation in southern Ontario and spent 5 years living and working in Thunder Bay.