2018 Annual Report on Culture - Richmond Hill, Ontario...Implementation of Richmond Hill’s...

2018 AnnualReport onCulture

1 | 2018 Annual Report on Culture | Richmond Hill

On behalf of Council and staff, I’m pleased to present

Richmond Hill’s 2018 Report on Culture.

In Richmond Hill, we believe that culture is an

essential cornerstone to the development of a vibrant

community. We are a place where people can come

together to celebrate natural and cultural diversity,

where creativity is fostered, ideas are exchanged and

where the arts are appreciated.

In 2011, Council approved Richmond Hill’s first Cultural

Plan. The Cultural Plan established an overarching vision,

goals and recommendations for cultural development in

Richmond Hill over a ten-year time frame.

This was an exciting year with the continued delivery

of programs designed to add capacity to local not-for-

profit organizations, as well as independent artists and

to make Richmond Hill a place where culture thrives.

Initiatives included continued funding available

through the Community and Cultural Grant Program,

partnering with Business for the Arts to implement the

ArtsVest Sponsorship and Board Governance Program

and the inaugural presentation of the Richmond Hill

Arts Awards.

You can learn more about the programs and activities

that have taken place through the Cultural Plan in

this report. You will find facts and figures related to

cultural programming, festivals and events, cultural

institutions and community engagement activities in

2018.

The accomplishments outlined in this report would

not be possible without our dedicated volunteers,

passionate artists, unique arts and culture

organizations and the community as a whole for

supporting our cultural initiatives and contributing to

our vibrant Richmond Hill.

Please join us in celebrating seven years of cultural

development in Richmond Hill!

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Barrow

Mayor

Message from the Mayor


1. Demonstrated Leadership

9 Completed third term of the Cultural Leadership

Council

9 Convened issue-based community forum

9 Delivered third round of funding through

Richmond Hill Community and Cultural Grant

Program

9 Strengthened and expanded Cultural Mapping in

Richmond Hill

2. A Dynamic Cultural Sector

9 Hosted Richmond Hill’s fifth Cultural Summit

9 Fostered stronger leadership and organizational

capacity among non-profit cultural organizations

9 Engaged Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise

Centre in Business Development and Technical

Assistance for the Cultural Sector

9 Continued implementing the Richmond Hill

Festivals and Events Strategy

9 Enhanced partnerships with Richmond Hill

Public Library

3. An Inclusive Cultural Community

9 Developed a community programs calendar

9 Continued to strengthen and expand youth

engagement in culture

4. Places and Spaces for Culture

9 Implemented the Public Art Policy

9 Continued implementing comprehensive online

inventory of cultural spaces and facilities

9 Identified new and affordable cultural spaces

5. A Celebrated Story

9 Communicated cultural success stories

9 Profiled Cultural Icons

Richmond Hill is admired as a vibrant community in which culture is a part of all facets of the Town’s planning and decision-making; where diversity, gender and age are reflected in all aspects of cultural expression; and where authentic and distinctive identity inspires a creative spirit.

Vision

Cultural Plan in Action


1. Demonstrated LeadershipCultural Leadership Council

The third two-year term of the Cultural Leadership

Council (CLC) was completed in October 2018. The

CLC is comprised of 22 members and represents

artists, arts and cultural groups, creative industries,

youth and diverse citizens. The diverse makeup of

the CLC provides an important connection between

Richmond Hill, its community, and local businesses

to achieve the goals and recommendations of the

Cultural Plan. The CLC met three times in 2018 and

provided valuable input into many recommendations,

including the Richmond Hill Cultural Summit, and the

Neighbourhood Strategy.

Community Forum

Richmond Hill’s Cultural Plan was developed based on

extensive community consultation. As the Cultural Plan

is implemented, the community shapes the development

of projects and initiatives. In addition to ongoing

community consultations through the CLC, Richmond Hill

invited feedback through the Cultural Summit.

Community and Cultural Grant Program

Richmond Hill is proud to support the local not-for-

profit organizations and individual artists who make

Richmond Hill a vibrant and exciting place to live and

work. To support these groups, Richmond Hill offers a

Community and Cultural Grant Program. This $65,000

fund provided support to 26 community and cultural

organizations, as well as individual artists whose

projects supported a more vibrant Richmond Hill.

The Community and Cultural Grant Program provides

funding on an annual basis. The fourth intake for 2019

projects was also undertaken in November 2018.

Richmond Hill Culture Map

In 2018 Richmond Hill launched a new scavenger hunt

to engage the public with the Park Stories Map. The

online Map profiles the unique history, culture and

design of 25 parks across the community. Families

were invited to explore some of Richmond Hill’s most

celebrated parks for a chance to win a $250 Recreation

and Culture credit.

The Culture Map also continues to be an updated

resource to the community. It allows users to locate

cultural resources in Richmond Hill under nine

categories, including the creative cultural industries,

natural and cultural heritage, cultural facilities,

community cultural organizations, public art, festivals

and events, intangible assets and independent artists.

Snapd Richmond Hill


2. A Dynamic Cultural SectorRichmond Hill Cultural Summit

The fifth annual Richmond Hill Cultural Summit was

held on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the Richmond Hill

Centre for the Performing Arts (RHCPA). The 2018

Summit marked our most successful event to date,

with 293 Richmond Hill-based artists, volunteers,

residents and culture lovers in attendance. The night

featured the annual Cultural Plan progress update, as

well as performances by local artists, demonstrations

from community art organizations, visual art gallery

and a networking reception.

The Cultural Summit also featured the presentation of

the inaugural Richmond Hill Arts Awards. The goal of

the Arts Awards program is to profile cultural success

stories by recognizing creative talent and community

contribution to the arts sector in Richmond Hill. The

winners of the 2018 Arts Awards featured Andrea End

winning in the Mid-career/Established Artist category,

Shonna Foster receiving the Emerging Artist award and

Julia Zolota accepting the Youth Artist award.

Capacity Building for Cultural Organizations

Arts and cultural organizations deliver programs

and services that support Richmond Hill’s continued

growth into a more vibrant community. To help build

their capacity, Richmond Hill partnered with Business

for the Arts to deliver ArtsVest; a sponsorship training

and board governance program. Ten Richmond Hill

arts organizations participated in the program, which

included peer to peer workshops and mentorship

sessions with Canada’s top sponsorship experts.

Business Development and Technical Assistance

for the Cultural Sector

Richmond Hill supports the development of creative

industries and recognizes their impact on the local

and regional economy. The eighth annual Creative

Industries Symposium was held on Tuesday, November

6, 2018 with 300 people in attendance. The theme this

year was the Interaction of Technology and Creativity.

The Symposium fosters a dialogue between creative

minds and provides a networking opportunity for

creative entrepreneurs to connect with industry

leaders. During the Symposium, the third Creativity

Connected Awards were presented, recognizing

individuals or companies in Richmond Hill who have

demonstrated excellence in the creative industries

field. The Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise

Centre (RHSBEC) hosts workshops and offers

assistance in business development.

Festivals and Events Strategy

The Festivals and Events Strategy continues to be

implemented to support third party event organizers

as they plan and execute their events within the

community. Organizers looking to plan new events

can find valuable resources online such as the

Community Event Planning Guide, the Festivals and

Events Resource Manual and Toolkit. The Festivals

and Events Application is also available online at

RichmondHill.ca.

Enhanced Partnerships with the Richmond Hill Public Library

The Richmond Hill Public Library (RHPL) is a vibrant

cultural institution. Together, Richmond Hill and the

Library have worked to continue to support cultural

development in the community. In 2018, both the

Library and Richmond Hill partnered to deliver

Moonlight Movies and Culture Days. In support

of Culture Days, the Central Library served as a

community hub with activities offered by local artists

and arts organizations to over 790 attendees. The

Library also supports the Cultural Leadership Council

and Richmond Hill’s Interdepartmental Culture Team.


3. An Inclusive Cultural Community

Inclusive Community Programs Calendar

Richmond Hill recognizes the impact and importance

the Community Festivals and Events have on its

residents. To help increase the profile of the event,

Richmond Hill continues to implement the online

Community Programs Calendar, which allows

members of the public to list community-led events.

Users can create an account at RichmondHill.ca,

review the event eligibility criteria and then submit

their event for approval.

Youth Engagement in Culture

Richmond Hill supports meaningful youth engagement

in the development of cultural activities. Youth are

one of the six key sectors represented on the Cultural

Leadership Council. In addition, youth are engaged

directly through the Youth Action Committee. In 2018,

this engagement resulted in the fourth annual Hill

After Dark event. This cultural fusion event for youth is

hosted by the Youth Action Committee and attracted 50

youth and their families.

4. Places and Spaces for Culture

Public Art

Richmond Hill continues to enhance the public realm

with artistic experiences. In 2018 the Richmond Hill

Memorial Veteran Statue was unveiled at the Cenotaph

in front of the McConaghy Centre. The statue pays

tribute to all the brave men and women who lost their

lives while serving their country.

The Public Art Advisory Council supported the

selection of the 2018 Artist in Residence. The Artist in

Residence program provides professional artists with

the opportunity to develop a new piece of work with

the stated purpose of engaging the community and

animating outdoor public spaces. The 2018 artist was

blacksmith Aimie Botelho, who created a temporary

installation called Bookaleidoscope. The sculpture was

located in the Richmond Hill Central Library Garden

and allowed the community to view the world in

different patterns and colours. Two workshops were

also offered where families were invited to build their

own craft kaleidoscope.

Cultural Spaces and Facilities

The Museum Feasibility Study continued to be

implemented in 2018 with the launch of the Online

Artifact Collections Database, which allows users to

engage and explore Richmond Hill's past through

significant artifacts. The collection commemorates the

community's heritage, culture and the arts thorough

the Heritage Collection, the Sports Hall of Fame

Collection and the Public Art Collection.

On June 9, 2018, the Richmond Hill David Dunlap

Observatory (DDO) officially re-opened its doors to

the public as a Town-owned facility. From 1935 to 2007,

the Observatory was at the forefront of Canadian

astronomical research. Richmond Hill is proud that the

DDO continues to be a regional centre for education

and public outreach related to astronomy. Community

members can now experience the wonders of astronomy

through exciting programs and historical tours.


What’s up for 2019?Implementation of Richmond Hill’s Cultural Plan will continue

in 2019 with initiatives designed to strengthen culture in the

community, including:

9 The sixth annual Richmond Hill Cultural Summit on Tuesday,

March 26, 2019

9 Presentation of the 2nd Richmond Hill Arts Awards

9 Richmond Hill’s 2019 Artist in Residence Program

9 Continued funding available through Community and

Cultural Grant Program

9 Culture Days 2019

9 Capacity building support for not-for-profit cultural

organizations

9 Continued development of Spacefinder York Region in

partnership with York Region Arts Council

9 Initiate research for renewing Richmond Hill Cultural Plan

And much more!

5. A Celebrated Story

Celebrated Stories

Richmond Hill continues to recognize that the stories

of our community are among our greatest cultural

assets. To celebrate these stories, an initiative called

Celebrated Stories was developed. The purpose of

this initiative is to collect and share the stories that

express Richmond Hill's unique identity and sense of

place. Some of the short-film projects that Richmond

Hill has produced over the years include Cultural

Icons, the Digital Storytelling Project and Richmond

Hill: Past, Present, Future. The videos can be viewed at

RichmondHill.ca/CelebratedStories.


Richmond Hill offers a diverse range of arts, culture and heritage programs for many interests, ages and abilities.

The Heritage Centre offers programs that celebrate Richmond Hill’s rich history through educational programs,

exhibits, walking tours and afternoon tea. Art programs are offered in a variety of disciplines and allow

participants to develop their creativity. Annual special events like the Studio Tour, Moonlight Movies, Doors Open

and Culture Days engage the community while showcasing Richmond Hill’s history, culture and talent.

Arts and Culture Programming

2018 Studio Tour visitors

2,100

attended Doors Open across 15 sites

1,830+artists featured in the 2018 Studio Tour across 18 locations

46

attended special events for older adults

2,413attended Moonlight Movies

2,800+

attended Culture Days activities in Richmond Hill

800+

adults, children and youth in registered arts, culture and heritage programs

6,200+

attended Artist in Residence program

1,000+

attended Heritage Services events

Heritage Services opened a Little Free Library at Amos Wright Park

939

✓Likes and followers on Cultural Plan and Studio Tour Facebook and Twitter accounts

2,500

projects supported through the Community and Cultural Grant Program

26

Richmond Hill Group of Artists


Opera York

Art in Migration

Snapd Richmond Hill


events took place at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts over 312 days

385students attended performances of the Education Program

11,666

patrons100,000+

Located in the heart of the historic downtown, the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (RHCPA) is

a state of the art cultural facility that offers a full season of professional entertainment celebrating the many

cultures of York Region. The Centre is also home to Richmond Hill’s diverse arts community, creating a major

venue in the downtown core to bring Canadian and international performers to the area. In 2018, the RHCPA

launched its 2018/2019 season called Many Hands Make Art Work. The season is inspired by the upcoming 10th

anniversary of the RHCPA’s opening night, which takes place in February 2019.

Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

international film screenings as part of The Reel Thing Film Series

10

89,024tickets issued

visual art showings5

Opera York International Watercolour Society Canada


Richmond Hill Public Library (RHPL) is a place for all. All four branches - Central Library, Oak Ridges Library,

Richmond Green Library and Richvale Library – represent inclusive centres for learning, for all those who step

through the physical and virtual doors. The RHPL has proudly served the local community for more than 165

years, acting as a pioneer in supporting democracy, cultural growth and equitable services to information,

regardless of race, creed, age, gender or sexual identity, or socioeconomic status. With more collection items,

programs, cultural events and digital resources available than ever before, the RHPL is a community hub that

provides space to learn, the ability to build connections and celebrate curiosity.

Richmond Hill Public Library

in-person visits1,004,224

social media visits692,818

Wi-Fi connections1,158,173electronic visits1,520,688

collection items borrowed2,100,819

program attendees66,705


Richmond Hill festivals and events are a great way for residents to connect with one another while celebrating

local culture, talent, heritage and achievements. Every year, events like Ribfest, Canada Day and Tastes of the Hill

attract both local and regional audiences. All of Richmond Hill’s dynamic festivals and events generate economic

benefit, build community pride and strengthen Richmond Hill’s unique identity.

Festivals and Events

98,000+people attended events in 2018


Richmond Hill’s creative industries include a diverse range of talent from actors, broadcasters, designers,

writers and many more. Through their work, this talent plays an integral role in the local and regional economy.

Richmond Hill is proud to support and recognize this talent through the annual Creativity Connected Symposium

and Awards. Workshops and business development assistance is also provided to the creative industries through

the Small Business Enterprise Centre.

Creative Industries

300attended the Creativity Connected Symposium

438creative industries mapped on the Richmond Hill Culture Map

46film permits issued

3of Richmond Hill's most talented received the third Creativity Connected Awards


Richmond Hill’s cultural heritage has a unique and powerful historical narrative. This heritage is protected and

celebrated through buildings and structures, landscapes, archeological sites and artifact collection. Richmond

Hill also recognizes that natural heritage resources are significant assets that represent key quality of life features

valued by residents and contribute in a significant way to a vibrant community. The Town is committed to

protecting this natural heritage system for future generations to enjoy.

Heritage

updated Inventory of Cultural Heritage Resources

110designated heritage properties

248registered and listed heritage properties

9,610artifacts significant to the history of Richmond Hill

✓

Heritage Grants were awarded for restoration and maintenance

8

launched Richmond Hill Online Artifact Collection

Richmond Hill was designated a Bee City by Bee City Canada

✓ ✓


Richmond Hill’s strength and vibrancy is directly supported by residents of all ages who volunteer their time

and talents to assist with the delivery of community programs and special events. Richmond Hill is proud of its

volunteers – their commitment and passion is important to the vibrancy of the community.

Community Engagement

community members engaged in arts, culture and heritage related committees

42

community organizations accessed the volunteer database

8

members of the Youth Action Committee volunteered approx. 2,600 hours

40

1,312volunteers supported events and recreational programs

38,345+hours contributed

225 East Beaver Creek Road Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4 RichmondHill.ca

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2018 Annual Report on Culture - Richmond Hill, Ontario...Implementation of Richmond Hill’s...

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