EC3 Brief History

The City of Peterborough approved a Municipal Cultural Plan (MCP) in 2012. Approximately 500 people participated in the consultation process that informed the final plan. Stakeholders flagged isolation and lack of recognition as critical issues. Artists and arts organizers felt invisible, precarious, and longed for a clear voice and stronger profile. The Plan called for professional development opportunities, an awards program, mentorship, a body to convene community members and initiate partnerships and networks that had deep and broad roots. These concerns have consistently informed our work.

The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) was incorporated in late November 2012. The City provided start-up funding and EC3 received a 3-year Trillium Seed Grant in 2014-15. In 2016, EC3 hired an experienced Executive Director and a Program Coordinator. The Municipality increased its operating support and asked EC3 to take on the management and delivery of Artsweek. In 2018, EC3 received an annual operating grant from the Ontario Arts Council. Our programming, services and outreach have expanded with increased financial resources.

Knowledge and understanding of our community have grown exponentially through evaluation, consultation and commitment to community-driven programming; our Executive Director’s history with the community and deep knowledge of the national ACH context; our Board members’ diverse backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and reach into multiple local communities have all contributed to our development. EC3 now receives funding from a wide variety of sources, has established a solid governance and management infrastructure and provides a robust roster of programming and services.

As a municipal arts council, EC3 has responsibility for a large number of individual artists across Peterborough City and County, and currently provides approximately 12 different programs and services.