Creative Collingwood Symposium: Nurturing a Supportive Arts Ecosystem

Event Details

Event type: Ages 19+

Build meaningful connections among artists and creatives by exploring the transformative power of community, collaboration, and  cross-sectoral support. This session will:

• Highlight the role of community and peer support in sustaining artistic practice
• Showcase models of collaborative creation that strengthens the interconnection between art and community
• Examine how art as a healing force for both creators and audiences
• Explore platforms and initiatives that empower artists through shared resources, mentorship, and visibility
• Encourage open dialogue on building inclusive, resilient networks that celebrate diversity

Through interactive discussion and shared experiences, participants will leave with actionable strategies to cultivate a thriving, supportive arts ecosystem in their own communities.

Event Details:

5:00 p.m. Doors open/Dinner pick-up (There will be a meat and vegetarian option - first come, first serve)

6:00 p.m. Keynote Speakers

7:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Open space - lightly facilitated breakout groups that encourage connection and thought sharing.

Keynote Speakers:

Andrea Battersby is a multidisciplinary artist Andrea Battersby whose work examines displacement and the role of privilege in fostering equity and empathy. Her immersive installations span theatrical vignettes, mobiles, large-scale drawings, sculptural paper forms, and soundscapes. Her visual designs—album covers and music videos—blend vintage/futuristic aesthetics using modest materials to evoke layered emotional narratives.

Geoff Donner is a classically trained musician, performer, producer, graphic designer, and dedicated community builder. With over two decades of experience behind the scenes, he has served as an art director, crew lead, and set construction supervisor across television, theatre, corporate events, large-scale live productions, and live-to-air broadcasts.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Information to Note:

• Bar on-site, cash or all forms of credit card accepted
• Guests are welcome to park anywhere on the concrete in the parking lot (please avoid the grass) and there is street parking beside the Larder

Food Options: (First Come, First Serve)

• Mediterranean Falafel Bowl 
• Chicken Shawarma Bowl 

Contact Us:

Please email Tim Newton tnewton@collingwood.ca by Monday, November 10, 2025 if you:

• Have any allergies or dietary restrictions? We will do our best to accommodate.
• Have any accessibility needs or preferences we should be aware of to make this experience more comfortable for you?

Event Link: More Info