Art and culture are crucial to creating a vibrant, livable and prosperous community - and Newmarket has recently seen a surge in art and cultural activities popping up around Town.

Theatre and performance are thriving at the Newmarket Theatre and in our Old Town Hall, which is home to the Newmarket National 10-Minute Play Festival. Public art is being integrated into our shared spaces in the form of bronze relief installations along the Keith Bridge on Davis Drive; metal sculptures in our Riverwalk Commons; and wooden totem markers lining the Tom Taylor Trail. Live music is featured as part of the Town’s innovative Splash of Culture event and popular Music in the Park series. Art is certainly all around us in our Town!

This is especially true for our downtown which is quickly becoming the cultural hub of Newmarket. At the centre of it all is our Old Town Hall (OTH), which recently underwent a complete renaissance renovation. Last year, OTH put on a highly-acclaimed exhibit displaying the work of Leah Denbok, photographer of the homeless. The exhibit received extensive media coverage and was featured on Breakfast Television Toronto among other programs and publications.

In April, OTH will host Roots|Routes: The Mindful Project Mental Health Exhibit. An art exhibit, Ocutherapy virtual reality demonstrations, personal mandala and printmaking workshops, and guided Mood Walks will all be a part of this month-long initiative to bring awareness to mental health and encourage mindfulness, self-esteem and expression. Be sure to check out this interactive event!

If you are a creative-type, or looking to become one, there are a number of other ways to get involved in the art and culture scene in Newmarket. The NewMakeIt digital innovation hub has recently relocated to the Newmarket Fairgrounds and is open to help inventors, visionaries and innovators across York Region on their passion projects. The Newmarket Public Library’s Maker Hub offers 3D printing, vinyl design, video production and more. The Newmarket Group of Artists and the York Region Arts Council provide opportunities for local artists in our community. Also, never underestimate the power of a Paint Nite with wine and friends – many of these informal and fun events happen regularly throughout Town.

Let us know how you enjoy art and culture in Newmarket and if you have any favourite pieces or performances to recommend to others (I know my toddler asks to visit the Lion sculpture atop the Community Centre and Lions Hall on a weekly basis!)