Home | Studio | Calendar | VAB Store | Contact | Artist Guide
Artway | Fridge Front | World Art Gallery

Every arts reporter, at one time or another, writes a column about the state of the arts in their coverage area.

I was inspired to write this column from the minute the first musical I had the opportunity to review ended, but I wanted to wait a few months so I would be able to get a more varied sampling of the arts scene here in Brampton.

Now that several months have passed, I hardly know enough adjectives to do justice to the quality of the arts in Brampton. Every artist, musician, writer, conductor, actor/actress, etc... I have met has been inspirational and gifted.

Perhaps the most surprising thing to a lot of people, including myself, is the number of skilled visual artists in the community. Whether they do sculpture, sketching, graphic art or quilting (which I do consider an art form), they excel and create works that are beautiful, to say the least.

Every subject and media in the visual arts has been explored and presented by Brampton artists in an attractive package. Whether you prefer nature scenes or portraits, it is all here. The number of galleries, both public and private, is impressive and each is worth checking out.

The theatre scene is also bustling in Brampton. Plays boasting Brampton playwrights, directors, actors/actresses and the necessary behind-the-scene crew are currently running at the NewWorks Playwright Festival, Shakespeare in the Square and the Toronto Fringe Festival. Young playwrights and actors/actresses are shining especially bright this season, demonstrating maturity and professionalism that often takes years to master.

The variety of theatre troupes in this city adds to the uniqueness of the theatre scene. The 2005-06 seasons for these various companies promise to be stellar.

The city's music groups and music festivals offer everything from classical and traditional music to jazz and blues. The cost of tickets to see the symphony, bands, choirs and solo performers is a steal for the quality of entertainment you get in return. Many of the music festivals are free, set in great outdoor venues like Gage and Chinguacousy parks.

People interested in literature and poetry don't have to look beyond city limits for a good read. Authors and poets from all ethnic and social backgrounds are making their voices heard through the printed word. Many books and collections of poetry are sold in local bookstores and are worth seeking out.

Dance is important to the city's arts scene and there are many talented dancers making a name for themselves on the local, national and international stages. Whether it is ballet or Irish dancing, you'll find people of all ages who are working hard to hone their craft.

Local filmmakers are also making a statement with documentaries and animated films that appropriately demand attention from the community,

What is especially interesting about the Brampton arts scene is that talent doesn't start at certain age. If you look in city schools, you'll find many gifted students who possess extraordinary creative gifts in every artistic field.

The opening of the new Performing Arts Centre in downtown next summer is a testament to the thriving arts scene. This new venue will hopefully inspire people to come out and support the local arts.

Members of any arts community will tell you that the arts provide more than just entertainment-- they make life worth living. Go see a local play, recital, art show, concert, film or read a book by a local author and see for yourself how the arts contribute to Brampton.

© Copyright VAB | Contact us