Arts Programs

The arts community in Barrie is thriving and growing. Explore the programs we have in place to support and showcase artists:

Arts & Culture Investment Program
Barrie Arts Awards
Busking Program
Emerging Artists Program
Arts Workshops & Outreach

Arts & Culture Investment Program

The mandate of the Arts & Culture Investment Program is to promote and assist in the development of the arts in all its diversity for the enjoyment and benefit of all Barrie residents and visitors.

The goal of the Arts & Culture Investment Program, formerly the Cultural Grants Program, is to strengthen Barrie’s arts and culture sector through strategic investments in the work of artists and creative organizations.

Grant Application Information

Barrie Arts Awards

The 2023 Barrie Arts Awards gala took place on Tuesday, November 14. The awards honour individuals and organizations for their contributions to the arts sector. The annual gala in November features presentations and performances, and celebrates the sector and winners. Recipients work, live, attend school, exhibit, or perform within Barrie.

See the 2023 Winners

Busking Program

An evolution of the former Street Performers Program, the Busking Program works to animate downtown Barrie, while giving performing artists of all ages and stages an opportunity to perform. Stay tuned for information on busker permits for 2024.

Emerging Artist Program

The Emerging Artist Program is a music industry incubator initiative capitalizing on the successful track record of Barrie’s Street Performer program in launching musical careers. Barrie's 2023 Emerging Artists performed around downtown Barrie and in waterfront parks until October 15, 2023.

Created and operated by the Canadian Musicians Co-operative (the Co-op) with support from the City, this program supports young artists in developing skills within the music industry. The program, open to artists ages 15–30, provides a platform to incubate and showcase emerging musicians while creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere in the city's core through street performance. Emerging Artists also perform in the community supporting festivals and events helping to animate the communities they serve. Learn more about the program.
Candidates ages 15–30 years of age may be considered for paid employment in the Summer Emerging Artist Program. This Co-op Summer Employment Program provides high-quality early work experiences for youth in Simcoe County. The Co-op provides regular music industry training and skill development, performance, and artist development opportunities.
Interested in busking in downtown Barrie, but not eligible for the Emerging Artists Program? Learn about the City’s busking pilot program.

For more information about the Emerging Artist Program or other offerings from the Co-op, email info@canadianmusicians.coop.

Interested in performing in downtown Barrie, but not eligible for the Emerging Artists Program? Learn about the City's busking pilot program.

Arts Workshops & Outreach

In an effort to develop the arts sector, the City offers workshops and provides outreach year-round to educate and engage interested community members, artists, and arts organizations. If you have suggestions for the kinds of workshops that would support your sustainability as an artist or organization, please reach out to Amanda at Amanda.Dyke@barrie.ca!

The Professional Development for Artists workshop series aims to assist artists of all genres in furthering their professional practices, providing increased professional arts opportunities for artists in Barrie.
Session 1: View the Preparing a Professional Artist Submission Presentation (hosted in May 2023)
Session 2: Grant Writing for the Arts (hosted in September 2023)
Stay tuned for future workshops!

Workshops, training and professional development opportunities are also available with other organizations: