Funding from Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization and the Province of Ontario

Press Release
Thursday, December 9, 2021

The Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) and the Ontario Government via OHTO’s Tourism Recovery and Innovation Program (TRIP). In the Partnership Projects stream, the HHACF applied for funding of its Feasibility Study, and it was awarded the maximum contribution of $15,000.

Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization is one of 13 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTO) created by the Ontario Government created in 2010 as a means to coordinate tourism development efforts and increase visitation to the province more effectively.

OHTO’s TRIP – Partnership Projects stream is funded by the Ontario Government and seeks to support collaborative projects that strengthen our sector and demonstrate consideration for the environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts associated with growing the visitor economy.

“We (OHTO) are strong supporters of projects that support and positively impact the community while also providing benefits to visitors to the region,” says Nicole Whiting, OHTO’s Executive Director. “The proposed Arts Centre by HHACF has great potential to further strengthen the existing vibrant arts and culture assets of the Haliburton region for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

“We’re very grateful that OHTO and the Ontario Government recognize the potential for broad impacts to tourism, community collaboration and the regional economy while we are in the early steps of our mandate,” says Foundation president, Dan Manley. “Local arts organizations, stakeholders, municipal councils and other project partners are eager to see the results of the Feasibility Study come April 2022. This funding ensures that we can continue work on the study without pausing between phases.”

For more information about Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization and TRIP, please visit https://comewander.ca/trip/.

A PDF of this press release can be downloaded here.

Public Input Sought in Feasibility Study

Press Release
Tuesday, November 2, 2021

After launching in early October, Phase 1 of the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation’s (HHACF) Feasibility Study is in progress.  This phase gathers data on the needs surrounding a new arts centre in Haliburton County.  User groups are being consulted regarding their needs to present their craft and make use of a new arts centre - rehearsal spaces, ticket sales, technology and equipment, frequency of performances, workshops, etc.  Meanwhile, the Foundation is looking for input from part time and full time residents, business owners, visitors to and those working in Haliburton County and surrounding area.  All are encouraged to participate in this survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HHArtsCentrePublicSurvey

This eleven-question survey was designed by consultants from Janis A. Barlow & Associates, the research firm managing the Feasibility Study.  All submissions are anonymous and help the Foundation get a vital picture of the public’s participation in arts and culture, from movies to dance, from concerts to gallery exhibitions and beyond.  Plus the public’s thoughts on the proposal of a new arts centre in Haliburton County - economic impact, funding, quality of life and other aspects.

The HHACF can’t plan an arts centre without knowing how it will be used by the public at large.  The Board thanks all those in advance for their participation in this critical step of the Feasibility Study.

The survey is open until Friday, November 12th.

Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation Launchs Feasibility Study

Press Release
Friday, October 8, 2021

The Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation is excited to announce that it has launched its Feasibility Study into the design and construction of a new arts centre in the Haliburton Highlands.

The firm of Janis A. Barlow and Associates has been engaged to do the work, along with their partners Novita Techne and Yallowega Architecture. Their combined resumes and proven track records made them the best choice for the project.

The study has already begun and will be completed by April 2022. Aspects to be researched and developed include:

• Public and Arts User Input - Confirming Community Need

• Stakeholder Interviews and User Input

• Space Function Program

• Site Investigation

• Operating Models, Business Plan and Program Plan

• Emerging Trends and Effects of COVID-19

• Comparative Studies

• Conceptual Design and Site Plan

• Economic Impact

• Class "D" Budget

• Capital Funding and Sponsorships

“We're looking forward to working with the artists and business community of Haliburton Highlands to explore the concept of an arts centre for the community," says Barlow. "It’s exciting to be coming back to the area, which I have enjoyed over the years through family and work.”

HHACF President Dan Manley shares the excitement and anticipation felt by the entire board. “This Feasibility Study marks a significant step forward and the Foundation is in good hands with Janis and her team. We’re looking forward to the findings, business plan, designs and artist renderings that will produce the first tangible glimpses of what the HHACF endeavours to build in Haliburton County.” 

Please see this press release for additional details.