What We Do

The Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) 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.

BAO is focused on providing programs and services in collaboration with inter- and cross-sector partners in these areas:

1. Funding, finance and investment.

2. Leadership, advocacy and innovation.

3. 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 CARFAC. 

Our Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

To incubate, advance, connect and advocate for Brampton’s arts, culture and creative industries.

BAO staff and artists posing with the City of Brampton Councillors in chambers

Vision

A thriving, confident, and valued creative scene and cultural ecology is the heart of our prosperous mosaic city.

A man and woman looking at PIXEL: Chapter 50 art at the City of Brampton's 50th anniversary

Values

Passion and Ambition
Diversity and Inclusiveness
Service
Community and Collaboration
Excellence and Innovation
Optimism

2025 Annual Report

Highlights

Hosted 122 free events and workshops with 22 partners, engaging 5,463 attendees.
Paid 383 Brampton artists through 25 different open calls.
Launched a new free artist residency program and low-cost artist studio rentals.
Supported 94 artists, organizations, and youth vendors to vend at various Brampton markets.
76 Brampton artists and arts workers received support through the new Professional Development Fund.
Provided free arts training to 350+ local students through our Artists and Creatives in Brampton Schools program.
Launched a new Live Music Support Program, Professional Development Fund, First Nations Gathering Series and Parkscapes programming.
Received the 2025 Service Excellence Award from the Brampton Board of Trade.
Hosted first ever Brampton Creative Leaders Summit alongside sector leaders.

Read the 2025 Annual Report

Hear from Brampton artists what BAO means to them:

BAO Strategic Plan 2023-2027

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 2023-2027 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

Read The BAO Strategic Plan 2023-2027