The arts community in Chatham-Kent is about to get its moment in the spotlight. Municipal officials are reaching out to residents as they begin the process of refreshing the region’s cultural roadmap, nearly a decade after its initial creation.
“Culture isn’t just what happens in galleries or on stages,” says Sarah Baxter, Chatham-Kent’s Cultural Development Officer. “It’s the fabric of our communities—from the Buxton Museum to our agricultural fairs and everything in between.”
The municipality’s original Cultural Plan, adopted in 2013, is showing its age. After guiding cultural development through significant changes, including the pandemic that upended arts programming nationwide, officials believe it’s time for a comprehensive reassessment of local cultural priorities.
Walking through downtown Chatham last Tuesday, I noticed the contrast between newer cultural ventures and long-established institutions. The Thames Art Gallery was preparing for an Indigenous art exhibition while just down the street, the Classic Theatre was advertising both film screenings and live performances. These organizations represent just a fraction of the stakeholders the cultural plan aims to support.
According to municipal documents, the update process will unfold over approximately eight months, with community consultations forming the backbone of the research phase. Public forums are scheduled to begin in October, with final recommendations expected by spring next year.
The municipality has hired Lord Cultural Resources, a Toronto-based consulting firm specializing in cultural planning, to guide the process. The firm brings experience from similar projects in Windsor-Essex, Stratford, and other mid-sized Ontario communities facing comparable challenges balancing rural and urban cultural needs.
“What makes Chatham-Kent unique is its blend of agricultural heritage and growing creative industries,” explains Michael Thompson, a cultural policy analyst not affiliated with the project. “Their challenge will be creating a framework that speaks to both a farmer in Thamesville and a digital creator in downtown Chatham.”
The stakes for local cultural organizations are considerable. Statistics Canada data shows that before the pandemic, the arts sector contributed approximately $58.8 million annually to the Chatham-Kent economy. After COVID-19, that figure dropped by nearly 40% before beginning a gradual recovery.
At the Chatham Cultural Centre, I spoke with Marina Lopez, who leads a community theatre group. “We’re still rebuilding our audience,” she told me while preparing for rehearsal. “What we need from this plan is concrete support for marketing and outreach, not just nice words about cultural importance.”
The 2013 plan delivered several tangible outcomes, including the establishment of a municipal arts grant program that distributes approximately $75,000 annually to local creators and organizations. It also led to the development of the CKCreates portal, a digital resource connecting artists with opportunities and audiences.
However, critics like former arts council member James Wilkinson argue that implementation has been uneven. “The previous plan made big promises about cultural tourism, but we’ve seen minimal investment in that area,” he said during a recent council meeting. “This time around, we need accountability measures built in from the start.”
The province’s own cultural strategy, released by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport in 2016, emphasized economic development through arts investment. Municipal officials indicate they’ll align aspects of the updated Chatham-Kent plan with provincial priorities to maximize potential funding opportunities.
Demographics will play a crucial role in the planning process. Chatham-Kent faces an aging population, with 2021 census data showing 22.3% of residents are over 65, compared to the Ontario average of 18.5%. Simultaneously, efforts to attract newcomers have increased diversity, bringing new cultural practices and expectations to the region.
“We need to make sure this plan serves everyone—from seniors who value traditional arts to younger residents looking for contemporary cultural experiences,” says Councillor Patricia Morris, who sits on the municipal culture committee. “And we can’t forget our rural communities, where accessing cultural programming often means significant travel.”
During my conversations with residents at the local farmers market, I found varied awareness of the cultural planning process. Lifelong resident Frank Miller, 67, expressed skepticism. “They did one of these studies years ago, and I still have to drive to London for decent concerts,” he said, arranging honey jars at his vendor stall.
Meanwhile, Ayesha Khan, who moved to the area three years ago, was enthusiastic about participating. “I’ve been impressed by the festivals here, but I’d love to see more diverse cultural celebrations that reflect changing demographics,” she explained while her children explored a nearby craft booth.
The plan update comes as neighboring municipalities like Sarnia-Lambton and Windsor-Essex have recently refreshed their own cultural strategies, creating a regional context for arts development. Cross-border cultural tourism initiatives with Michigan communities have also gained traction, potentially influencing Chatham-Kent’s approach.
Economic considerations will inevitably shape the plan. With property tax pressures mounting and infrastructure needs competing for municipal dollars, arts advocates worry about securing adequate resources. The previous plan recommended a per capita arts funding target of $7.50, but current spending remains closer to $5.25 per resident.
Municipal officials emphasize that public participation will be crucial to developing an effective cultural roadmap. Residents can register for consultation sessions through the municipality’s website or by contacting the cultural services department directly.
“This isn’t just about what the municipality should do,” emphasizes Baxter. “It’s about creating a shared vision that businesses, community groups, and individual citizens can help bring to life.”
As the consultation process begins, the question remains whether this update will produce meaningful change or simply refresh rhetoric. For Chatham-Kent’s diverse cultural community, the answer will emerge not just in the plan’s language, but in the resources and commitment that follow.
