HALDIMAND — Haldimand County Council has received an update on the development of the Public Arts and Culture Strategy during its December 10, 2024 meeting.
The report, presented by Anne Unyi, Supervisor of Heritage & Culture, outlined progress on a framework designed to celebrate the community’s heritage while supporting the arts and cultural sector.
The initiative, originally launched in 2018, aims to develop a comprehensive strategy and policy to guide the County’s investments in arts and culture.
Unyi explained that the strategy’s goal is to enhance both the physical and cultural landscape of Haldimand through curated art collections, support for local artisans, and policies that reflect the community’s values.
Unyi noted that significant groundwork has been laid since the project’s inception.
Recent progress includes a successful stakeholder meeting held in October 2024, which gathered input from community representatives. Attendees provided feedback on priorities for arts and cultural development, including the preservation of cultural legacies, expansion of public art installations, and increased programming for children.
Unyi emphasized that the community’s input is vital in shaping a strategy that aligns with public expectations and needs.
The strategy also proposes a focus on integrating art into public spaces, such as County buildings and outdoor areas, as demonstrated by recent initiatives like the Paddle Art Tour Haldimand project and the installation of historical storyboards in Port Maitland.
Unyi highlighted plans for another community engagement session in January 2025. Feedback from these sessions will be instrumental in drafting the final Public Arts and Culture Strategy and its accompanying policy, which are expected to be presented to Council by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Councillor Dan Lawrence commended the initiative, referencing the recently completed Edinburgh Square project as an example of the County’s commitment to heritage and culture. He expressed optimism about the forthcoming strategy, describing it as an important step in reaping the benefits of the County’s cultural efforts.
“Sometimes the best things, it takes a little while and we gotta’ wait. But eventually, it gets here, and we get to reap the fruits,” added Lawrence.
The report also acknowledged the County’s past investments in heritage and cultural resources, including renovations to local museums and the establishment of a climate-controlled space for artifacts in the Haldimand County Administration Building.
Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley expressed her gratitude to Unyi for advancing the strategy, highlighting the importance of culture to Haldimand County’s identity and future.
Bentley iterated her support for initiatives that celebrate local heritage and foster creative opportunities for residents.
