Arts Programs

The arts community in Barrie is thriving and growing. Explore the programs we have in place to support and showcase artists:

Arts & Culture Investment Program
Barrie Arts Awards
Busking Program
Emerging Artists Program
Arts Workshops & Outreach

Arts & Culture Investment Program

The mandate of the Arts & Culture Investment Program is to promote and assist in the development of the arts in all its diversity for the enjoyment and benefit of all Barrie residents and visitors.

The goal of the Arts & Culture Investment Program, formerly the Cultural Grants Program, is to strengthen Barrie’s arts and culture sector through strategic investments in the work of artists and creative organizations. The 2025 Arts and Culture Investment Program budget was $232,500 and there were 16 funding recipients.

Grant Application Information

Barrie Arts Awards

The Barrie Arts Awards honour individuals and organizations for their contributions to the arts sector. The 2025 Barrie Arts Awards gala takes place on Tuesday, November 18, featuring presentations and performances, and celebrating the sector and winners. Nominations for the 2025 Barrie Arts Awards were open until August 25.

Recipients work, live, attend school, exhibit, or perform within Barrie. See the past Barrie Arts Awards winners.

Sponsorship Opportunities

As a 2025 Barrie Arts Awards sponsor, you can build brand recognition through our promotion campaign including radio advertising, social media, website, on-site, and printed materials. Our partnerships are valued and contribute directly towards providing recognition to and celebration of our local arts community. Opportunities are available for in-kind or monetary sponsorships starting at $500. For more information, contact Amanda Dyke, Culture Officer - Development, at 705-739-4220 x4593 or Amanda.Dyke@barrie.ca.

Busking Program

An evolution of the former Street Performers Program, the Busking Program works to animate downtown Barrie, while giving performing artists of all ages and stages an opportunity to perform.

Get Permit Details

Emerging Artist Program

Barrie's Emerging Artist Program is a music industry incubator initiative, operated by the Canadian Musicians Cooperative each summer. The program capitalizes on the Barrie Street Performer program's successful track record in launching musical careers. Street-level performances can be seen around downtown Barrie and in waterfront parks in July and August during select hours.

See Barrie's 2025 Emerging Artists

Created and operated by the Canadian Musicians Co-operative (the Co-op) with support from the City, this program supports young artists in developing skills within the music industry. The program, open to artists ages 15–30, provides a platform to incubate and showcase emerging musicians while creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere in the city's core through street performance. Emerging Artists also perform in the community supporting festivals and events helping to animate the communities they serve. Learn more about the program.
Candidates ages 15–30 years of age may be considered for paid employment in the Summer Emerging Artist Program. This Co-op Summer Employment Program provides high-quality early work experiences for youth in Simcoe County. The Co-op provides regular music industry training and skill development, performance, and artist development opportunities.
Interested in busking in downtown Barrie, but not eligible for the Emerging Artists Program? Learn about the City’s busking program.

For more information about the Emerging Artist Program or other offerings from the Co-op, email info@canadianmusicians.coop.

Arts Workshops & Outreach

In an effort to develop the arts sector, the City offers workshops and provides outreach year-round to educate and engage interested community members, artists, and arts organizations. If you have suggestions for the kinds of workshops that would support your sustainability as an artist or organization, please reach out to Amanda at Amanda.Dyke@barrie.ca!

Workshops, training and professional development opportunities are also available with other organizations:

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