The SSAC is Turning 25!
On September 30, 2018, the South Simcoe Arts Council will celebrate its 25th birthday as a community Arts Council!
The South Simcoe Arts Council is still very excited about its visibility at its new location on the main street of Alliston. It has provided us the opportunity to showcase all disciplines of the arts as we continue to serve the communities of New Tecumseth, Townships of Adjala Tosorontio and Essa and Base Borden. We are most grateful to our devoted members, volunteers, businesses, organizations, community leaders who have continued to provide their time, energy and support allowing us to thrive these 25 years.
Arts and Culture play an important role in defining communities and contributing to a healthy local economy and lifestyle. It is meditative and relaxing, reduces stress and anxiety, provides a sense of community and belonging and provides encouragement and empowerment!
The objectives of our non-profit charity are:
• to educate and increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of the arts by providing performances of an artistic nature in public places, senior citizens homes, churches, community centres and educational institutions and by offering seminars on topics relating to such performances,
• to provide instructional seminars on topics related to the performing and visual arts,
• to produce performing arts festivals for the purposes of educating and advancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of performing arts and to educate artists through participation in such festivals and related workshops.
As we celebrate our 25 years, we request your financial support to continue providing quality community arts programming, events and festivals.
We are volunteer-run! Our volunteers are the many faces you meet, working tirelessly to further the efforts of the South Simcoe Arts Council. They create and deliver our community arts programming, events and festivals. Our limited budget does not allow for full-time paid staff.
Your renewed Membership and additional financial support is sincerely welcomed and necessary for our future growth and sustainability in the communities we serve.
Twenty-Five Years of Creativity, Determination and Strength
Serious discussions investigating the possibility of becoming an area Arts Council that addressed the cultural needs of the new Amalgamated Town of New Tecumseth commenced in 1991. On September 30, 1993, the inaugural Gala Founding Charter Meeting of the New Tecumseth and Area Arts Council Incorporated was held. President Betty Anderson of Tottenham was at the helm of the First Board of Directors.
On February 8, 1994, the Arts Council became an incorporated ‘membership’ organization with an objective to serve and promote all arts disciplines and facilitate their development within New Tecumseth communities.
In 2005, the Council was awarded an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant to develop and expand additional programming. New Tecumseth and Area Arts Council re-incorporated in 2007 to become the South Simcoe Arts Council. The Ontario Trillium Foundation suggested the name change to reflect the actual area of service and membership (Town of New Tecumseth, Towns of Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil, Townships of Adjala-Tosorontio, Essa and Base Borden).
Eight months later in August of 2008, the South Simcoe Arts Council became a registered volunteer-run, charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to arts education for youth, promoting artists and arts organizations in all disciplines.
Since 2014 and 2015, while we continue to service South Simcoe, growth and development in the Towns of Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil led both areas to create their own municipal Arts, Culture and Heritage Committees. This has had a financial impact on the South Simcoe Arts Council.
Throughout our 25 years, the South Simcoe Arts Council has had its operational challenges. Our volunteers have continually rallied to increase operational funding. We have welcomed and thrived on community, private and corporate partnerships and donations to remain strong. As we look to our next 25 years, your commitment and financial support will ensure our future.
Donor Information
Name ______________________________________
Address ____________________________________
Postal Code __________________
Phone _______________________
Email ______________________________________
I wish to donate: $ _______________
Thank you for your generous support!