Cultural Strategic Plan
Get Involved
Complete our questionnaire here.
Your input will help shape the future of programs, services, festivals and events; guide investments in arts, culture, and heritage; and create public spaces and experiences where community, creativity, and culture thrive.
From attending events like Cultural Fusion, Canada Day, or Blue Jays Watch Parties, to participating in programs, visiting the Pickering Museum, admiring public art, and celebrating heritage while connecting with neighbours - arts and culture are part of our everyday lives.
What You Need To Know
The Cultural Strategic Plan (CSP), Museum Strategic Plan (MSP) and Public Art Plan (PAP) are being renewed.
The Cultural Strategic Plan was completed by staff in 2014, the Museum Strategic Plan was developed through a committee in 2017, and the Public Art Plan was developed by staff in 2023. Collectively, these renewed plans will guide the next decade (2026-2036) of Pickering’s arts, culture, and museum and public art programs and services. The strategic documents will articulate a common vision and goals, provide recommendations, and action plans built on the understanding that arts, culture, heritage and public art are fundamental to our quality of life, economic development and growth and community vitality and, identity.
We are thrilled to be working with consulting group, Patricia Huntsman Culture + Communication. Patricia Huntsman Culture + Communication has been operating since 2009 and offers management, engagement, planning and communication services dedicated to building communities through culture. Qualifications and combined expertise include strategic planning for arts and culture, urban planning, research, public consultation and partnership, community engagement, municipal event management, accessibility analysis, creative placemaking, public art, programming, visitor experience, marketing and communications, tourism management and economic development, capital planning, recreation & leisure planning, cultural mapping, and policy development.
The CSP, MSP and PAP will replace completed plans
The existing CSP set a vision for the place of arts, culture, and heritage in the City and identified strategic directions for policy, investment, partnerships, and programs for 10 years, from 2014 to 2024. The MSP defined the Museum’s vision, mission, and values, and identified recommended strategic goals to be accomplished by the end of 2023. The PAP identifies zones for future public art projects and proposed new public art initiatives from 2023 to 2026.
After the creation of these plans, the City introduced the first Corporate Strategic Plan, Equity, Diversity& Inclusion Strategy, and Digital Strategy. With the conclusion of the CSP, the MSP, and the PAP, it is time to refresh this suite of cultural plans, taking strategic directions, current trends, and updated community engagement into account.
Pickering residents will be involved in shaping the next CSP, MSP, and PAP.
The development of these new plans will collectively guide the next decade (2026-2036) of Pickering’s arts, culture, museum and public art programs and services. The development process will include comprehensive community engagement - including Open Houses, a community survey, interviews with cultural leaders, input from Advisory Committees, and engagement with residents and community organizations. When complete, the strategic documents will articulate a common vision and goals, provide recommendations, and action plans built on the understanding that arts, culture, heritage and public art are fundamental to quality of life, economic development, community vitality and identity of place.
