Guelph Makes Top 10 for Culture Days in 2015

It's a terribly kept secret that Guelph is a culturally rich little 'burb, and now we have the statistics to prove it. The Royal City was one of numerous groups across the country to have participated in Culture Day activities back in September, and it turns out that were one of the best it terms of celebrations. 

Here's the press release from the City of Guelph: 

Guelph, Ont. December 16, 2015 – Guelph has made this year’s top 10 list of Canadian cities and towns participating in Culture Days 2015.

Ranking eighth within the group with populations of 50,000 to 499,999, Guelph hosted about 50 activities, events, and exhibitions that took place during the sixth annual Culture Days celebrations this past September.

“To have Guelph recognized nationally is a big pat on the back,” says Colleen Clack, general manager of Culture, Tourism and Community Investment. “Guelph’s participation in Culture Days is a great opportunity to showcase our community’s rich history, unique character and diverse talents.”

Culture Days, a non-profit organization, selected the top 10 based on the number of activities published for each city or town’s celebrations on its website, culturedays.ca. Richmond, B.C. topped the list along with London, Oakville, Kingston, Saskatoon, Burlington, North Vancouver, Kelowna and Kamloops. Milton tied with Guelph.

Each year, Culture Days—a national initiative—features free, hands-on, interactive activities and opportunities for Canadians to create, participate and share in arts and culture in their communities.

Locally, the City partnered with Guelph Arts Council, individual artists, cultural groups, businesses and organizations to bring a full weekend of free arts and culture to the community. City-hosted events were held in Market Square, at Guelph Museums, Guelph Public Library branches, Guelph Farmers’ Market, and River Run Centre.

Jen Rafter, cultural program and event coordinator for the City of Guelph saw a significant uptake by this year’s activity organizers and artists. “Guelph’s enthusiastic arts community rallied behind the weekend’s events and in many ways, cemented Culture Days into our cultural calendar.”

Guelph’s 2016 Culture Days takes place September 30 to October 2.