Brampton arts organization rebrands after year of successes

A City of Brampton agency created to support the arts will be a rebranding later this spring.

The Arts, Culture and Creative Industry Development Agency (ACCIDA) will become the Brampton Arts Organization (BOA) as part of its eventual transition to an arms-length agency within the government structure.

Just a year old, the ACCIDA was created to advocate for the arts in Brampton as well as to grow participation and celebrate the cultural success achieved in the community. The ultimate goal is to build a vibrant arts scene as well as to contribute to the creative economy.

Highlights of the first year of operations include:

• Having nearly 500 artists participate in online events, programs, information sessions and workshops in 2021 with 96 per cent of attendees gaining new insight and perspective from the events
• The awarding of $100,000 to 75 local artists, musicians and performers through the COVID-19 Recovery Fund for Artists
• Contributing to enhanced public art in the community through a range of mediums including murals in downtown Brampton, 38 artist and artisan booths and three major chalk-art installations at the Brampton Farmers’ Market, multiple digital exhibits in Garden square, a 3D virtual art gallery and much more
• Engaging with nearly 200 artists and arts organizations through the Big Artist Space Survey to assess and begin to address the status of creative space across the city
• Ensuring events and resources are free and accessible for all to attend and provided employment opportunities for local artists and arts workers

“Brampton’s Arts, Culture and Creative Industry Development Agency has been influential this past year in helping identify, support and shape Brampton’s vibrant Mosaic,” said Paul Morrison, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton.”They are committed to fostering arts and culture in this city, and have laid the foundation this past year to transform Brampton’s artistic landscape.”