Culture News  

War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemorations

The years 2012-2014 will mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.  Although distant from the major fields of battle, our area has a meaningful and authentic connection to the the events of the war.  Both settlers and Six Nations were greatly affected by the conflict.  Locally, the Brantford-Brant War of 1812 Steering Committee is helping to coordinate efforts to commemorate this historic event, which will include museum displays, legacy projects and community programs and events.  In September 2011, the Steering Committee launched a local War of 1812 map of the Brantford area.  The web-enabled online version of the map can be found here. (This link will open in a new window.)

For more information about local connections to the War of 1812, upcoming events, and commemoration programs please visit the Local Steering Committee's website at www.grandriver1812.ca or contact Tourism Brantford at 519-751-9900.  Brantford is also part of the provincial Western Corridor Alliance War of 1812 Bicentennial Region.  For information on regional events visit www.westerncorridor1812.com

 

New 'Brantford Centre for the Arts' to open in 2012

The Brantford Arts Block is moving!  After closing its doors at 80 Dalhousie Street, the Brantford Arts Block is eagerly anticipating opening the Brantford Centre for the Arts in early summer 2012. 

The Brantford Arts Block announced in August that it has signed a lease with Union Gas and King and Benton to establish  the Brantford Centre for the Arts in the former Union Gas buildingat 315 Colborne Street in downtown Brantford. This 20,000 square foot building is almost seven times larger than the Brantford Arts Block's current facility and is expected to house a 150-200 seat black box theatre, an art gallery, a gift shop, a cafe/bar, a rooftop garden, office space, community meeting space, a dance studio, rehearsal space, classroom space, a recording studio, a video/photography studio, a computer lab, a pottery studio, painting studios, a textile studio, a print making studio, a woodworking shop, welding booths, and more.  Public consultations have been held throughout the fall to receive community input in the planning process. 

To follow the progress of the new building or to get involved visit www.brantfordartsblock.com or visit their Facebook page for regular updates.

 

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MUSEUMS & GALLERIES?

There are many great sites to visit in our area.  Contact individual sites for information about hours and admission. Admission to many locations is free! Clicking on the links will open the museum or gallery's website in a new browser window.

For more information on the Brant Museum & Gallery Association, check out their website in a new browser window.