The Brampton Arts Organization (BAO), previously the Arts, Culture & Creative Industry Development Agency (ACCIDA), is a unique organization incubating within the City of Brampton focused on growing, celebrating, advocating for and connecting the sector through the provision of a range of programs, services and resources. We are a key partner in delivering the City’s ambitious vision for arts, culture and creative industries as articulated in the City’s strategic vision and Culture Master Plan.
Vision: A thriving, confident, and valued creative scene and cultural ecology is the heart of our prosperous mosaic city.
Mission: To incubate, advance, connect and advocate for Brampton’s arts, culture and creative industries.
Values: Passion and Ambition, Diversity and Inclusiveness, Service, Community and Collaboration, Excellence and Innovation, Optimism.
We are focused on providing programs and services in collaboration with inter and cross-sectoral partners in the areas of:
- Funding, finance and investment.
- Leadership, advocacy and innovation.
- Sector development and growth.
BAO is a member of the Alliance of Arts Councils of Ontario (AACO).
2021 highlights include:
- Nearly 500 artists participated in online events, programs, information sessions and workshops in 2021 with 96% of attendees gaining new insight and perspective from the events
- $100k was awarded to 75 local artists, musicians and performers through the COVID-19 Recovery Fund for Artists
- Enhanced public art in the community through a range of mediums including murals in downtown Brampton, 38 artist and artisan booths and three major chalk-art installations at the Brampton Farmers’ Market, multiple digital exhibits in Garden square, a 3D virtual art gallery and much more
- Engaged with nearly 200 artists and arts organizations through the Big Artist Space Survey to assess and begin to address the status of creative space across the city
- Have ensured events and resources are free and accessible for all to attend and provided employment opportunities for local artists and arts workers
Read our full 
2021 End of Year Report here.
Announcements
The Arts, Culture & Creative Industry Development Agency (ACCIDA) is now the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO). We are celebrating with a launch party on October 21st.
We partnered with PAMA to bring this exciting new outdoor exhibit featuring Brampton-born, abstract artist Russna Kaur.
Neighbourhood Arts Network's Mentor in Residence program is now open to Brampton newcomer artists and arts workers.
In its inaugural year, the City of Brampton’s Arts, Culture and Creative Industry Development Agency has made great strides at helping transform, support and nurture Brampton’s arts community.
We are looking for people who are plugged into the local arts and culture scene and are interested in giving back. We need your input to help select artists from our calls for submissions and to provide feedback on proposed programming.
Join us for an artist talk with Brampton-raised, Vancouver-based artist Russna Kaur. Russna Kaur: Maze of control and the slightest chaos is currently on view till January 9, 2023 on the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) outdoor banner exhibit.
Learn how Kaur became a painter, what prompted her to pursue an MFA, what she learned along the way, and how she continues to challenge herself by asking what comes next. Kaur will speak to building a network after school, applying for opportunities, being an active participant in your local art community, making yourself vulnerable through your work, putting your work out into the world, and exhibiting your work.
If you are wondering where to take your art practice next, or are struggling to understand where to go, this is the workshop for you.
Register here.To celebrate the re-branding of the Arts, Culture and Creative Industry Development Agency (ACCIDA) into the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO), we’re throwing a party! That’s right: a public launch party, 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21 at the spectacular Springdale Library.
It wouldn’t be a BAO party without exciting performances and thought-provoking experiences: Director X and R&B artist Zenesoul will lead a ‘meditate and create’ workshop alongside live painting by Abiola Idowu and Robyn Lightwalker, music from local artists Nicole Chambers, MixTapper, and DJ Lady Pista and dance by Kwasi Obeng.
Of course, there will also be food and goodies. Enjoy snacks that showcase Brampton’s diverse culinary scene and mingle with artists and arts and culture fans. Peruse books by local Brampton authors; even 3D print your own BAO logo key-chain. Get your portrait taken by Dusty Loops.
Preregistration is required to be entered into the draw for the Meditate and Create workshop due to limited capacity. Please register by 11:59PM on October 17th to be eligible to be entered into the draw.
In partnership with the Indigenous Curatorial Collective (ICCA) we are co-hosting a Bead Speed-Networking Event on October 15th at 4pm EST over zoom. The host will be the hilarious and absolutely deadly Anishinaabe Kwe Stephanie Pangowish. All attendees will have the chance to win several gift cards from BIPOC artists. Join us and showcase your beadwork collection and/or other BIPOC artists that you love supporting! There will be 2 ASL interpreters present to make the session accessible. Register here.
Join us for an information session on the City of Brampton's Advance Brampton Fund specifically for Brampton Arts Organizations. Whether you are an unincorporated not-for-profit, incorporated not-for-profit or charitable arts organization, this session will give you all the information you need to apply for ABF funding.
During this information session, the City's Grants Administration Officer, Amir Majid, will review all eligibility requirements, the different funding streams, and the application and evaluation process, as well as important deadlines and general funding provisions.
Make sure to get all your questions ready about the Advance Brampton Fund and join us on October 13th for this valuable interactive information session.
Register here.Join us at Springdale Library on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, for a willow lantern making workshop, suitable for all ages. The lanterns will be constructed from willow, tissue paper, and glue. We suggest wearing old clothes that can get dirty. All materials supplied, no experience required.
This free workshop is for all ages. However, please note that children need to be over five years of age to participate, and children under 14 years will need an adult present with them.
Register here.Join us for a virtual masterclass of Spotify’s artist tools and features led by Adrian Burke, Lead, Artist and Label Partnerships, Spotify Canada. Adrian has spent the past five years with Spotify's Artist and Label Partnerships team. Even if your music is already on Spotify, you can still benefit from meeting the Artist & Label Partnership team and learning how to best utilize the platform directly from Spotify. Register here.
Join us on Saturday, October 8th at either 9:30 am OR 11:00 am for the last Brampton Farmers’ Market of the season, where you can experience the Beyond the Plate storefront exhibition on Main Street. Not only will the exhibition's creator, Meegan Lim, walk you through all of it, but you will also get to try tasty treats from a selection of vendors at the Market -- for free! Register here and meet us at Ken Whillans Square on the 8th.
Join us at the South West Library on Thursday, October 6, 2022, for a willow lantern making workshop, suitable for all ages. The lanterns will be constructed from willow, tissue paper, and glue. We suggest wearing old clothes that can get dirty. All materials supplied, no experience required.
This free workshop is for all ages. However, please note that children need to be over five years of age to participate, and children under 14 years will need an adult present with them. Register here.
This workshop has been developed for artists who have applied to artist markets but have not been successful in being accepted. Brampton artist, illustrator and seasoned artist market veteran, Meegan Lim, will walk you through the application process and give you actionable tips and tricks to increase your chance of success. By invite only.
Join us and nature guide and founder of Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours Alan Colley for a nature walk at Loafers Lake. Alan brings a hands-on approach to learning so be ready to absorb nature with all your senses as we explore this beautiful corner of Brampton. Together, we will come to a better understanding of it, ourselves, and our relationship with nature through Alan’s indigenous knowledge sharing.
If you would like to sketch as we walk and learn, bring your drawing materials (I.e., sketchbook/paper, pencil, pens, watercolours). If you don’t have any, we will have some supplies for participants to use. Meet us in front of the Loafer's Lake Recreation Centre at 10:00am.
Register here.Join us for a free professional development session for music curators with Canada’s Music Incubator. Learn about all the different types of shows and deals that are currently happening in the live music sector, how to determine artist value, as well as event marketing and execution. A light dinner will be provided during the networking session from 6:30 – 7 p.m. The workshop will begin at 7:00 p.m. Register here.
Join us for a behind the scenes tour of the Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives followed by an artist talk with Brampton-raised artist Russna Kaur. Kaur will be discussing her new three-part site-specific artwork that she created for PAMA in collaboration with ACCIDA- Maze of control and the slightest chaos. This work is displayed on the exterior of PAMA’s Art Gallery building and can be viewed from September to January. RSVP here and meet us in the Art Gallery Lobby on September 17th at 12:30 PM.
We and Tangled Art + Disability are holding a think tank for Brampton-based artists, cultural practitioners, and arts-and-culture participants who identify as Mad, Deaf, disabled, blind or low vision, neurodiverse, with an intellectual disability and/or chronically ill or sick. We are specifically seeking 20 Brampton-based participants for the two hour think tank. All attendees will be paid an artist honorarium. Apply here.
The Professional Practices with Artists workshop series explores basic and vital creative professional skills that are integral to the survival of a creative practitioner. The artists will examine the strategic aspects of art practices, such as understanding how to manage an artist’s studio practice, developing a compelling portfolio and online presence, various application processes, grant writing strategies and networking with curators, gallerists and other art practitioners. This series is led by artist, curator and educator, Jessica Thalmann.
Soch Mental Health will lead a workshop for South Asian artists that will cover but is not limited to the following themes: coping with parental and societal pressures, the key for success, inner happiness, and how to cope with a lack of family support. This workshop will help you build self care skills and strategies. Register here.
We're putting on a 2SLGBTQ+ Showcase & Open Mic Night, hosted by Hasheel, a queer South Asian Hindustani Classical Musician at the Rose Theatre Studio. This will be an inclusive showcase and open mic space for drag experiments, radical poets, revolutionary music, and unapologetic queer expression. If you’d like to perform we’ll have a few sign up spots day of. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the performances start at 7 PM. FREE tickets here.
This workshop will explore the relationship between community safety and textiles as living archives that document experience. Soledad Fátima Muñoz will facilitate and live-translate the workshop presenter, Hector Maturana Bañados, who is based in Chile, via Zoom. Participants will be encouraged to explore their experiences of community safety and care through the arpillera form.
Hector will teach participants a method using acrylic yarn (donated by the Textile Museum) to create their own arpillera square. Each of the individually created arpillera will then be sewn together, resulting in a collective arpillera.
These workshops are presented in partnership with the Textile Museum of Canada. The Textile Museum of Canada hopes to show the completed collectives arpilleras in their community gallery space in the new year.
Register here.This workshop will explore the relationship between community safety and textiles as living archives that document experience. Soledad Fátima Muñoz will facilitate and live-translate the workshop presenter, Bélgica Castro Fuentes, who is based in Chile, via Zoom. Participants will be encouraged to explore their experiences of community safety and care through the arpillera form.
Bélgica will teach participants a method using textile scraps (donated by the Textile Museum) to create their own arpillera square. Each of the individually created arpillera will then be sewn together, resulting in a collective arpillera.
These workshops are presented in partnership with the Textile Museum of Canada. The Textile Museum of Canada hopes to show the completed collectives arpilleras in their community gallery space in the new year.
Register here.A Body As A Fault In The System, In A System Of Faults was inspired by the writings of Legacy Russell and Sarah Sharma, A body as a fault in the system, in a system of faults is a screening of video works by Peel-based artists that explore themes of fluid and amorphous identities, technology’s role in perpetuating harm, and imaginations of bodies beyond the binary. The screening is curated by Amanda Low with works by Steven Cottingham, Stephanie Deumer, Chun Hua Catherine Dong, Gladys Lou, and Seyi Olomodosi.
Join us for the first ever Brampton Summer Artist Market on Saturday July 16, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Rose Theatre Lobby. A wide variety of Brampton artists can't wait to meet you and show off their one of a kind works. You won't be disapointed, whether you are shopping for yourself or for gifts. Not in the market for art right now? Come on down anyway and meet local artists! Stop by on the way to or after the Farmers' Market or make a special trip in: we're all looking forward to making this day one to remember.
Come learn what ACCIDA has been up to, as well as our plans for the months ahead. Have suggestions for us? Programming you think the Brampton arts and culture community would benefit from? Make sure to register and join us on July 14th from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. We look forward to seeing and talking to all of you. Register here.
Join us and our Senior Program Lead, Michael Vickers, as he shares important advice and practical tips and tricks for finding and setting up a studio in Brampton. From sourcing space and negotiating commercial leases to what to keep an eye out for with insurance and agreements, Michael will share insights gleaned from over a decade of experience of founding studios for artists, creatives and collectives. Make sure to join us for this informative session whether you are looking for a studio right now or plan to do so in the future. Register here.
Join us for our first Brampton Film and Video Makers Networking social on the patio of the Rose Theatre from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Enjoy great weather and conversation as you meet and mix with others in the film and video community. We will provide the food and non-alcoholic beverages; all you need to do is come ready to mingle. There will also be special guests and exclusive swag! Register here.
Still using a selfie as your professional headshot? Get a FREE professional headshot courtesy of ACCIDA on July 5th at the Rose Theatre Lobby between 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. We will not be accepting drop-ins so the only way to get your headshot is to register for your 5 minute time slot here.
Speed networking is back by popular demand. Come meet fellow artists, creatives, arts organizations, and arts workers. Register HERE.
Join us this Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the Brampton Farmers’ Market as we learn to paint with watercolours. We will be using the fresh local produce of the Farmers' Market as our inspiration. No experience or knowledge of watercolour painting is required. Local artist Meegan Lim will teach you how during this drop-in workshop. Register here.
Join us at the City of Brampton’s National Indigenous Day Celebration on June 22nd at 5pm for an artist talk with creative design studio, Born in the North Ltd. Born in the North Ltd. will be unveiling their new commissioned art installation, the Big Drum at 7:35 PM that day. But before the big reveal, we will be having an artist talk with them on-site at Ken Whillans Square at 5:00 PM.
A creative’s step-by-step, beginner’s guide to financial planning. Register HERE.
After a two year wait, This Is Brampton returns to the North by Northeast (NXNE) Music Festival this June 17, 2022. This year's showcase, This is Brampton: NEXT UP, will take place at the iconic Rivoli, located at 334 Queen Street West, Toronto and will feature the best and brightest of Brampton’s up-and-coming talent. This year’s showcase is curated by Brampton native and dynamic hip hop artist, TCspades. Performing with TCspades will be Ashlye, KEZIAA MUSIC, MixTapper, and Osé. Tickets here.
Make sure to join us this Saturday for the first Brampton Farmers’ Market of the season. Not only will there be great vendors but Abiola Idowu will be creating a one-of-a-kind chalk art activation throughout the day. Listen to music, purchase goods, and help make some art.
All in Good Time invites you into a multifaceted interactive free flowing experience of love, gratitude and release at Loafers Lake. Designed for small groups and/or individuals of all abilities, this nourishing activation uses audio and visual prompts to reconnect us, attune our hearts and awaken physical rhythms felt within the relationships between Bodies, Lands, Waters, and Others. Learn more at the link in our bio or at luminatofestival.com/time
Art In Transit: Luminato on the GO brings the delight and whimsy of street theatre to everyday train commuters. Make sure to catch the GO train on Friday, June 10th, so you don’t miss the boat. Learn more here luminatofestival.com/transit
Learn how to make your events accessible, whether they're in-person, virtual or a mixture of both.
From captioning through to giving adequate time for breaks, making your event accessible in a variety of ways is tremendously important--and not as hard as you might think!
Join author and disability rights advocate Amanda Leduc in a discussion and review of some of the key accessibility features of both in-person and virtual spaces. Register here.
Join us at Loafers Lake for a walking tour from 10 am to 12 pm with Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours’ Nature Guide and Founder Alan Colley. Register HERE.
Join us Thursday, May 26, 2022 at the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre for our 2SLGBTQ+ Banner Painting night. We'll provide the pizza, snacks and paints but we need you and your fellow 2SLGBTQ+ Bramptonians to bring your creativity and vision of what it means to be, "Loud & Proud." The banner will be used at our 2SLGBTQ+ Showcase and Open Mic, Loud & Proud, on July 21st at the Rose Theatre’s Studio Two. RSVP to accida@brampton.ca
Do you want to incorporate NFTs as part of your artistic practice?
Join us for a virtual Power Hour as artist and Cryptoharlem member Jason Li talks through his experiences with NFTs — the good, the bad, and the gory.
He will also give an introduction to the concepts and technologies surrounding NFTs, contrasting its haloed promise with where the platforms are today. Register here.
Join us for a unique writing workshop for BIPOC writers and those curious about writing with Living Hyphen’s Founder Justine Abigail Yu. Register HERE.
Living Hyphen is a community that explores the experiences of hyphenated Canadians. Through art and writing, we uncover what it means to live in between cultures as individuals who call Canada home but with roots elsewhere.
Back by popular demand, we are holding a second session with CPA Kelly Ross who will be answering your pre-submitted tax questions. So, if you weren’t able to attend our first session or didn’t have your question answered, then make sure you register for this session.
Please note that due to time constraints, we will need to amalgamate similar questions together. This will help ensure as many questions as possible get answered.
Join us for a community check-in and learn what ACCIDA has been up to and plans for the coming months ahead. Register HERE.
Are you an emerging artist or designer and looking for opportunities to present your artwork?
This workshop led by Onsite Gallery, OCAD University Curator, Lisa Deanne Smith, will cover targeting your audience, different venue options (non-profit, commercial, artist-run-centres, public galleries, museums, festivals, public art, DIY, etc.), how to apply and/or approach galleries, curators and organizations as well as a brief overview of contracts/funding. Register here.
Celebrate National Canadian Film Day with us and local film and video makers in Brampton! Register HERE.
Learn the critical skills of documenting (photographing) and organizing your catalogue.
Artist and educator Jessica Thalmann will discuss the importance of clear, accurate and striking documentation of artwork for your website, portfolio, social media, grant applications, and more.
This workshop is ideal for artists and makers of all skill levels but you must have some experience with a digital or smartphone camera is required. Register here.
Speed networking is back by popular demand!
Whether you attended our first round of speed networking or you'll be joining us for the first time, this is a great opportunity to meet new people and potential collaborators.
In this fun, fast-paced event, we’ll facilitate conversations through a variety of zoom break-out rooms. You will get the chance to talk to other Brampton based artists, arts administrators, creatives, and arts organizations without any of the pressure you might associate with such experiences. Register here.
Are you interested in support to develop your arts practice?
Register for this FREE information session on multiple Ontario Arts Council (OAC) professional development grants for Peel Region artists.
Learn from OAC program staff and artists based in Peel Region who have received funding and/or been a peer assessor. There will be breakout rooms hosted by OAC staff and artists to give you an opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback.
Join us, Brampton Library and the CBC for My Brampton Day at the Springdale Branch Library.
11:30 a.m. Unveiling of the CBC-commissioned sculpture by Abiola Idowu for the Springdale Branch Library.
12:00 - 4:00 p.m. ACCIDA Interactive Art Event - Working with artist Abiola Idowu, make the library's windows your canvas. This event is full but you can add your name to the waitlist HERE.
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. An interactive Listening Session with CBC – Here's your chance to speak with local reporters on issues that concern you. Register HERE.
7:30 p.m. All Roads Lead to Brampton panel hosted by Nav Nanwa, featuring Kiran Rai, creator and podcaster; Ayo Akinola, TFC soccer phenom; Jael Richardson, author and broadcaster; and Chef Rick Matharu, entrepreneur and influencer. Register HERE.
Join us and the City of Brampton's Film and Television Office for the Brampton Film & Video Makers Focus Group on March 29th at noon. National Canadian Film Day is April 20th. Let's get together to plan how Brampton can celebrate the occasion.
Learn how to write clear, concise, and compelling artist statements and bios. Artist statements and bios are critical for success when applying for residencies, grants, and more.
In this hands on workshop, artist and educator Jessica Thalmann, will lead you through a presentation and two short in-class writing exercise which will guide you to reflect on your identity as an artist practitioner. Register here for this critical skills workshop.
Join us and the City of Brampton's Film and Television Office for the Brampton Film & Video Makers Focus Group on March 15th at noon. This dedicated focus group's goal is to help the City of Brampton better understand how it can support you and your practice.
Whether you have filed taxes as an artist before or this will be your first time, you won’t want to miss our interactive, hands-on workshop with accountant Kelly Ross.
Kelly will discuss and answer your questions on completing your taxes including: tax preparation and deductions, artistic expenses, deadlines, T4s and special considerations for creatives. This workshop will offer helpful reminders for those that have filed taxes as an artist before, or a general support for those doing so for the first time. Register here for this free workshop.
The QT Artist Cabaret celebrates the culmination of the 2SLGBTQ+ digital residency for musicians and performers. For five weeks, eight artists explored and experimented together. Their brand-new works, the fruits of that exploration, will premiere at the cabaret.
This show, like the residency, celebrates diverse approaches to performance and music. Together, we'll create space for conversations about art and creative practice as Two-Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary, Gender Nonconforming and Queer citizens of Brampton.
In this fun, fast-paced event, we’ll facilitate conversations through a variety of zoom break-out rooms. You will get the chance to talk to other Brampton based artists, arts administrators, creatives, and arts organizations without any of the pressure you might associate with such experiences. This is a great opportunity to grow your community, meet fellow Bramptonians and find future collaborators. Register here.
Join us and the City of Brampton's Film and Television Office for the Brampton Film & Video Makers Focus Group on February 15th at noon. This dedicated focus group's goal is to help the City of Brampton better understand how it can support you and your practice.
Learn all about the business of running a full-time art practice, including client relations, as muralist Stephanie Boutari shares insights and go-to tools.
You can view the workshop here.