The Arts, Culture & Creative Industry Development Agency (ACCIDA) is celebrating its official rebranding as the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) with a free public launch party on October 21st. The public is invited.
October 19, 2021
By Woodrow Kolomvos
Announced in April earlier this year, the ACCIDA informed the community their plan to re-name their organization as the Brampton Arts Organization. Founded in the spring of 2021, ACCIDA’s inaugural year made big developments for Brampton’s arts community. Guided by the City’s Culture Master Plan, ACCIDA provided Brampton artists and local creative communities with diverse opportunities for the incubation of a vibrant arts scene and creative economy in the city.
Some of the major 2021 milestones listed by the organization are:
● 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
So far in 2022, as outlined in the Arts, Culture & Creative Industry Development Agency – Program Update report, ACCIDA has hosted seven workshops and events attended by over 260 artists and community members, launched a digital exhibition in partnership with Garden Square called PIXEL: Black Artists Live Here, supported eight Brampton musicians and performers in its 2SLGBTQ+ Digital Residency Program, and has continued to establish key relationships with community partners.
In the Spring and Summer, ACCIDA showcased Brampton musicians and performers at NXNE Festival, partnered with Luminato Festival on its first expansion into Brampton, highlighted Indigenous art and design as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day, and launched new opportunities for exhibiting local artwork with PAMA.
With ACCIDA continuing to thrive, their transformation of the Arts, Culture & Creative Industry Development Agency into the Brampton Arts Organization is another opportunity for artists to meet.
Taking place on Friday, October 21st at the Brampton Library Springdale Branch from 6 to 9 p.m., their public launch party will feature creative workshops and guided meditation from Canadian filmmaker Director X and Juno-nominated R&B artist Zenesoul. Live painting during the event will be hosted by award winning artist Abiola Idowu. Canadian-Tamil DJ Lady Pista, R&B/Neo-Soul artist Nicole Chambers, and recording artist MixTapper will be providing the music for the event alongside a dance performance from Canadian dancer, choreographer, and instructor Kwasi Obeng-Adjei.
Along with these main events, attendees will be provided food and the opportunity to mingle with local authors, and even get a portrait taken by Brampton photographer Dusty Loops.
With big plans to become fully independent from the city by 2024, this exciting relaunch will hopefully mark the continued success of ACCIDA and the city’s facilitation of emerging artists and culture.
For more information on this relaunch, visit the BAO’s website, and for details on the launch party, visit the event page.
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