To energize and elevate York Region’s arts and culture by championing diverse voices, building community, and creating space for creativity to thrive.

OUR VISION

We envision a region in which:

• The arts are embedded in the cultural identity and civic life of all nine York Region municipalities
• Artists and creative workers are supported, respected, and empowered to thrive
• Barriers to arts access and participation are actively dismantled
• Communities are connected through the celebration of local stories and shared cultural values

WE BRING OUR VISION TO LIFE BY:

Championing Cultural Sustainability Through the Arts

• Supporting artist-led initiatives that explore local identity, environment, and sense of place
• Strengthening community bonds through creative storytelling and site-specific programming
• Collaborating with municipalities to embed arts into cultural planning and urban development

Fostering Connection Across Municipalities

• Reaching out to all nine municipalities to build meaningful partnerships
• Offering marketing and co-presenting support for municipal and grassroots events
• Participating in and amplifying local festivals and public gatherings with an arts lens

Supporting Artists and Creative Workers

• Providing opportunities for artistic development, mentorship, and promotion
• Connecting artists with funding, grants, and professional services
• Celebrating diverse practices, disciplines, and lived experiences across the region

Engaging the Public

• Promoting access to art through both virtual and physical spaces
• Showcasing regional talent through exhibitions, events, and storytelling campaigns
• Encouraging public engagement with art as a tool for community dialogue and celebration

OUR VALUES: 

Inclusivity
We embrace all communities, ensuring a welcoming and representative arts ecosystem.

Equity
We strive to remove systemic barriers that limit access to resources and opportunities.

Cultural Sustainability
We recognize the arts as essential to environmental, social, and cultural resilience.

Integrity
We are committed to transparency, ethical leadership, and collaboration.

Creativity
We value innovation and experimentation in how we support and present the arts.

TIMELINE:

2025–2028

Activate a Regional Arts Network

By 2028, artists and arts organizations across all nine municipalities are connected through a thriving, inclusive regional network that shares resources, promotes collaboration, and elevates regional visibility.

Deepen Municipal Partnerships

Municipalities see YRAC as a vital partner in achieving shared goals of civic pride, cultural sustainability, and local economic growth. Arts programming is integrated into civic events and planning processes.

Support the Next Generation of Creatives

Emerging artists in York Region have access to mentorship, professional development, and funding support that empowers them to stay, create, and grow within their communities.

Build Organizational Capacity

YRAC has secured long-term, sustainable funding and has expanded its team, allowing it to serve more artists, offer more programming, and advocate effectively on behalf of the regional arts sector.

In 2025, the York Region Arts Council will conduct a survey to invite artists, cultural workers, and the wider community to share their vision for the future of arts and culture across the region. We will also be applying to grants to support programming initiatives for artists in the next year.

2025-2026, YRAC will begin building new partnerships with local organizations that support newcomers, co-developing programming specifically designed to uplift and engage newcomer artists across all nine municipalities.

Starting in 2027, the York Region Arts Council will run year-round artist programs that foster creative development and community engagement across all nine municipalities. With the support of a full board of directors, YRAC will continue to build strong partnerships within York Region to strengthen the local arts ecosystem and expand access to opportunities for artists and cultural workers.

In 2028, YRAC will implement a new fundraising strategy focused on diversifying revenue streams to support long-term sustainability and expanded programming initiatives.

*Rather than existing as a fixed plan, the strategic plan is a living document that can be adjusted based on the needs of the community.*