Celebrating Brampton’s Creative Momentum with artsvest
In Brampton, creativity isn’t just flourishing, it’s thriving in every corner of the city. Leading that momentum is the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO), a passionate hub dedicated to supporting, celebrating, and connecting the city’s creative community. “The community that we’ve built is our number one thing,” says Executive Director Michael Vickers. “Artists want to be connected to other artists, and that’s what we do.”
BAO serves one of Canada’s most diverse and dynamic cities, home to over 800,000 residents and an incredible range of artistic voices. The organization takes pride in creating a welcoming space for artists of all disciplines and backgrounds, a place where newcomers and established creators alike can experiment, collaborate, and share their work. By offering free showcases, professional development, accessible venues, funding opportunities and so much more, BAO ensures that creativity has room to grow.
“What makes BAO unique is how unique Brampton is,” Vickers explains. “Every community has its own creative energy, and our job is to lift that up.”
For BAO, artsvest Regional in Ontario has been transformative. The program’s mentorship and matching funds inspired a dedicated fundraising campaign that brought in new sponsors and strengthened local ties. “It was a huge gamechanger,” says Vickers. “It gave us the incentive to connect not just with big funders, but with small businesses and local supporters who want to see the arts thrive in Brampton.”
With help from artsvest Regional, BAO forged meaningful relationships with partners like a local print shop and Iler Campbell LLP, a non-profit law firm that provided in-kind expertise. Beyond the financial support, the program’s mentorship offered deep professional insight and encouragement. “The mentorship and training were incredible,” Vickers shares. “It helped us think about sustainability, momentum, and the broader role arts play in our community.”
Today, BAO continues to evolve, constantly developing new initiatives like the Newcomer Creative Exchange and city-wide celebrations that reflect Brampton’s creative pulse.
For organizations considering joining artsvest, Vickers’s advice is clear: “Do it! It was a wonderful experience. You really do become part of a family that believes in the power of the arts.”
Photos by Brampton Arts Organization (BAO)
Funders
artsvest in Ontario is made possible by the Government of Canada and the Ontario Arts Council
