Oshawa is seeking input from the public on the future of its arts and culture sector over the next decade. The city is developing a new culture plan to guide its cultural initiatives for the upcoming years. This plan will replace the existing one from 2014, according to Catherine Richards, the city’s senior manager of special events and culture.
Richards emphasized the need for fresh directions and experiences given the significant changes in the city. The city aims to understand what residents value about Oshawa’s cultural life and address any obstacles hindering their participation, such as transportation costs. They are keen to identify key changes that could propel Oshawa’s cultural landscape forward.
The previous culture plan has already achieved various goals, including the promotion of public art through initiatives like the legal graffiti wall at the Donevan Recreation Complex skate park. To gather public input for the new plan, the city is conducting pop-up sessions across Oshawa, with details available on the city’s website. Residents can also provide feedback online until December 15.
The finalized culture plan is expected to be presented to the city council for review in early 2027. Several arts and culture groups have engaged in the city’s sessions, including the Oshawa Museum. Kat Akerfeldt, the museum’s executive director, expressed admiration for the city’s vibrant arts community and community spirit, influenced by its industrial heritage.
Oshawa is recognized as a cultural hub in Durham Region, hosting various venues and museums alongside emerging groups like RUCKUS, an arts collective formed in 2024. RUCKUS recently led a zine-making workshop during an engagement session, highlighting the importance of creating third spaces for community gatherings. The collective also stressed the need for more affordable studio spaces within Oshawa.
The Biltmore Theatre, a downtown event venue, has also participated in city sessions. General Manager Jacob Hamayda highlighted the challenges faced by for-profit businesses like theirs in accessing arts grants, typically reserved for non-profits. Biltmore Theatre advocates for expanding grant opportunities to include for-profit ventures, both at local and national levels, to support sustainability.
Despite the ongoing efforts of cultural institutions like the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, CEO Alix Voz underscored the crucial role of public engagement in shaping the city’s cultural landscape. The gallery intends to utilize survey results to better serve the community’s needs and preferences, emphasizing its commitment to being a community-oriented service provider.