Visual Arts
Seeds to Sow: Barrie’s First Large-Scale Exhibition of Temporary Site-Specific Public Art
Blog Post | May 12, 2025
Six months ago, the City of Barrie closed its first large-scale exhibition of temporary site-specific public art. Seeds to Sow was organized by the city and was on display September 28 to November 8, 2024. The exhibition featured 6 artists and displayed 6 unique art installations as well as a satellite exhibition at the MacLaren Art Centre. Thanks to support from Invest Barrie, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) and seventeen local sponsors, this exhibition and its programs were free to the public and marketed to audiences within Barrie and beyond, targeting the Barrie-Toronto corridor and the GTA.
Celebrating International Sculpture Day
Blog Post | April 25, 2025
This year, April 26th is International Sculpture Day (ISDay). This day of celebration is a global event spearheaded by the International Sculpture Center. The goal of ISDay is to help people learn more about sculpture, and to acknowledge the important contributions of this artform to our culture and society. Barrie is proud to be home to a number of stunning and engaging public art sculptures – and our next big art installation is coming soon!
Culture Pop! Special Edition
Newsletter | April 23, 2025
April 2025: Culture Pop! Newsletter
Newsletter | April 4, 2025
The Barrie Art Club: A Journey Through Art and Community
Blog Post | March 11, 2025
The Barrie Art Club is a cornerstone of the visual art scene in Barrie, fostering creativity and nurturing the talents of local artists for the last 75 years. Founded in 1949, the club has grown from a small gathering of passionate individuals to a vibrant community of artists. We recently had the chance to sit down with some Club members to talk about the last 75 years of history, how the Barrie Art Club became the artistic hub it is today!
StART Making Sense Arts Business Talks
Blog Post | March 17, 2025
Recently, Invest Barrie sat down with regional artist Sean William Dawson following the soft launch of the 2025 StART Making Sense (SMS) arts business talks series to learn more about the series’ goals, plans and what to expect as they plan for the official series launch later this month.
Checking in with our 2024 Barrie Arts Awards Winners
Blog Post | February 28, 2025
Every year, the Barrie Arts Awards celebrates the individuals and organizations that contribute to the arts and culture community. The 2024 Barrie Arts Awards gala took place on Tuesday, November 12, and featured unique performances in addition to the presentation of artist-designed award statuettes to six stand-out individuals. Let’s learn about how it feels to win a Barrie Arts Award and what’s next for our winners!
February 2025: Culture Pop! Newsletter
Newsletter | February 7, 2025
Last Chance to See The 2023 Award-Winning Brightening Barriers Public Art Exhibition
Blog Post | September 15, 2023
Have you seen the Brightening Barriers exhibition across downtown Barrie? Artworks come down on September 29. Brightening Barriers is a public art installation that takes place on patio fencing. It pairs local businesses with local and regional artists, to enhance the cityscape.
Unique Investments in Arts and Culture
Blog Post | June 16, 2023
This year, the City of Barrie invested $225,900 in local arts and culture organizations through the Arts and Culture Investment Program. This program supports the growth of the arts sector and helps create enriching experiences for residents and visitors. Meet three funding recipients with unique projects that the City is proud to support.