What We Do
The Brampton Arts Organization is a registered non-profit that champions Brampton’s diverse arts, culture and creative industries and advocates for the #BramptonArtist. We work to build a thriving, confident, valued, and empowered creative scene by offering a range of programs, services and resources. In this, BAO is a key partner in fulfilling the City of Brampton’s strategic vision and Culture Master Plan. Throughout the year, we offer free in-person and virtual programming for all creative disciplines. These programs focus on helping artists build and professionalize their practices. We also create opportunities for artists to show their work through regular calls. In addition to these programs for individual creatives, we offer programs for Brampton-based creative businesses and arts and culture organizations.
Vision
A thriving, confident, and valued creative scene and cultural ecology is the heart of our prosperous mosaic city.
Mission
To incubate, advance, connect and advocate for Brampton’s arts, culture and creative industries.
Values
Passion and Ambition, Diversity and Inclusiveness, Service, Community and Collaboration, Excellence and Innovation, Optimism.
We are focused on providing programs and services in collaboration with inter and cross-sectoral partners in the areas of:
- Funding, finance and investment.
- Leadership, advocacy and innovation.
- Sector development and growth.
BAO is a member of the Alliance of Arts Councils of Ontario (AACO), an institutional member of the Indigenous Curatorial Collective and the CARFAC.
2023 highlights include:
- Incorporating as a registered Nonprofit and securing 5 years of funding & support from the City of Brampton.
- More than 4000 local artists participated in of our 93 events and programs with over 40 programming partners.
- Provided 50 free vendor opportunities at BAO’s Summer and Winter Artist Markets and 39 free vendor opportunities at the Brampton Farmers’ Market for local artists and arts organizations.
- 182 Brampton artists showcased and supported through 11 calls for submission in 2023.
- Launched the BAO space at 8 Nelson with free public access and a new Artist in Residence Program.
- Initiated Newcomer and Youth Programming, hosting Youth Art Nights, Newcomer gatherings and a new ‘Take Your Kids to Work Day’ program for local students.
BAO Strategic Plan 2023-2025
A huge thank you to the many local artists and arts organizations, community partners, staff, panel members and City representatives who shared their perspective, experience, ideas and ambitions into this document and helped the Brampton Arts Organization chart our path forward over the coming years.
Our 2023-2025 plan is one grounded in our values and the needs of Bramptonians as we work to help drive the local arts and culture sector forward with a shared vision for lifting, supporting, showcasing and celebrating the arts in Brampton- the city we love. We envision a Brampton where arts, culture, and creative industries can flourish, enriching the lives of the communities we serve and supporting the creative individuals and groups that make it happen on the ground. By nurturing and supporting a vibrant arts sector, we are building a special destination known for its creativity, diversity, and innovation.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the arts in Brampton and for being such an important part of the work we do together. We look forward to providing regular updates on this work at our quarterly public town halls and information sessions.
Warmly,
Michael Vickers, Executive Director