Hamilton Arts Council is a non-profit service organization dedicated to supporting artists and arts organizations across the Greater Hamilton Area. Our work focuses on strengthening the professional capacity of artists while building public engagement with the arts. Through advocacy, programming, and partnerships, we champion the vital role of arts and culture in our communities, supporting accessibility, sustainability, and recognition for local artists.
Hamilton Arts Council
PROGRAMS
Hamilton Arts Council is dedicated to empowering creatives by fostering connections, supporting artistic growth, and advocating for a thriving cultural community. Through a diverse range of initiatives, we provide artists with opportunities to showcase their work, develop their careers, and engage with new audiences. Whether through live performances, networking platforms, mentorship, or cultural preservation, our programs are designed to strengthen the creative ecosystem in Hamilton and beyond.
Explore initiatives designed to connect, inspire, and support the creative community. From artist residencies to performances, networking, and career development, these programs provide opportunities for artists at every stage. Discover how you can get involved and grow with us!
Community & Networking
In partnership with The Cotton Factory, this program supports the artistic practices and professional ambitions of emerging & mid-career artists/creatives.
Celebrates creativity with performances, exhibitions, and workshops, bringing artists and audiences together for a dynamic cultural experience.
A networking platform connecting creatives with opportunities, resources, and audiences, fostering collaboration and artistic growth across disciplines.
Performance & Heritage
Experience diverse choreography or apply to showcase your film. This series supports emerging and established performers while engaging the community through compelling dance films.
Enjoy live performances across genres or take the stage yourself. This series provides opportunities for local and visiting musicians to share their work with new audiences.
Explore Hamilton’s visual arts history (1950–2000) through artist profiles, archives, and storytelling, preserving and celebrating the city’s creative heritage.
Recognition & Growth
Recognizes outstanding achievements in writing, honouring authors and poets while promoting literary excellence and engagement within the community.
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Join an international residency fostering collaboration between Hamilton and Nordic artists through exhibitions, cultural dialogue, and creative exchange opportunities.
Take your career to the next level with mentorship, workshops, and resources. Gain new skills, expand your network, and grow as a creative professional.
OUR VALUES
We envision a dynamic arts community that is innovative, impactful, diverse and professionally sustainable.
We embrace a diverse arts community including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Deaf, persons with disabilities, neurodivergent, Francophones, youth (under 30), and 2SLGBTQI+ members.
We acknowledge that the Greater Hamilton Area is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which is an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
