MISSION: Inspired by the legacy of iconic Canadian artist Tom Thomson, the TOM connects people to art and generates creative energy that sustains, enriches, empowers and inspires.
The Canadian Art Museum Directors Organization (CAMDO) has highlighted five art museums on its home page as examples of nationally significant art institutions. They are: 1. National Gallery of Canada 2. Tom Thomson Art Gallery 3. Musee des Beaux-Arts de Montreal 4. Winnipeg Art Gallery www.camdo.ca November 2010 5. Art Gallery of Alberta 2
Canadian Spirit is an annual year-long, cross-community celebration that involves and engages cultural organizations, businesses, artists and audiences, spearheaded by the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. The programming presents a unique, multi-layered, many-faceted opportunity to explore and discover Tom Thomson; the response to his life and work - that which we define as Canadian Spirit. Canadian Spirit 2012 was initiated by the TOM and was the first of an ongoing annual series that will culminate in Canadian Spirit 2017: Someday they will know what I mean... marking the 100 th anniversary of Thomson s death and the 150 th anniversary of Canada and which will focus on ideas and issues around Canadian identity, its past and its evolution. The Canadian Spirit series will balance the honour owed to the past with the needs of the present, while always looking forward to the future. TD BANK GROUP are the Presenting Sponsors for Canadian Spirit 2013
-City of Owen Sound -Owen Sound D.I.A. -OS Chamber -Organizations and businesses throughout Owen Sound and Grey/Bruce -Art Gallery of Mississauga -Robert Mc Laughlin Art Gallery (Oshawa) -THE MUSEUM (Kitchener) -Grimsby Public Art Gallery -Sudbury Art Gallery - Art Gallery of Algoma (Sault Ste Marie) -Town of Huntsville -Huntsville Chamber and D.I.A
Themes for Canadian Spirit: 2013: One with the North 2014: if it weren t for the War 2015: With a Destiny 2016: On the edge of all the Wild Stuff 2017: Someday they will know what I mean.. All themes are taken from writings by Tom or by his contemporaries.
Each year more partners will be added to the project including the cities of Mississauga, Kitchener, Barrie, Grimsby, Sudbury and Markham in 2013. So far we have had expressions of interest from organizations across Canada, ranging from Newfoundland to BC, from Ontario to the Yukon. Participating organizations include: municipalities, art galleries, museums, dance, theatre, music, literary, film Chambers of Commerce and businesses. The intention is to celebrate Canadian Spirit and the myriad of ways that it can be manifest. As well as arts and culture activities, there will be exhibitions and performances, as well as education programmes that explore these themes. The TOM THOMSON ART GALLERY is the lead organizer and promoter, liaising with the Other organizations, businesses, and individuals who are involved with the project. We have established the website www.canadianspirit.org which will be the hub for promoting and documenting the project.
Project Website: Over 58,000 Unique Visits Quick Link to Project website
Marketing: Comprehensive Print, TV, Radio, Web and Email Distribution Full page ad in the Festival and Events Guide Ontario media buys in targeted national, regional and local print publications TV campaign across Rogers TV Radio campaign Online media strategy Collaborative Marketing through all of the Canadian Spirit partners Rogers TV is Canadian Spirit 2013 Media Partner
TOM THOMSON ARTS FESTIVAL This annual festival kicked off as part of Canadian Spirit 2012 featuring contemporary Artists, musicians, filmmakers, chefs and craftspeople locally and from across Canada. Over 1,000 people attend the events. Paint-a-Tom art activity The Born Ruffians
Video installations Site-specific installations The Festival is a signature event in Bruce Grey Simcoe and attracts visitors locally, regionally and provincially. Off-site installations were created by some of Canada s most notable artists. 10
Tom Thomson Arts Festival - 2013 One With The North New Location Kelso Beach. September 20-22, 2013 Expanded programming at new venue. Celebration of arts in all forms: dance, literary, culinary, visual, film, music (in traditional and contemporary contexts) and of course Tom and his legacy. 11
TTAF 2013 Saugeen First Nation New component to festival in 2013 Traditional First Nations workshops and come and go programming. Make your own rawhide drums, medicine wheels, bone chokers, medicine bags, dream catchers, beading, walking sticks, fitted moccasins, mini moccasins to name a few. Culinary experiences Dance, story telling, drum circles, etc. 12
TTAF 2013 - Goals Goal of making the Tom Thomson Arts Festival a nationally recognized festival by 2017. Working with local accommodators to increase overnight stays and extended visits to Owen Sound for both Canadian Spirit and the Tom Thomson Arts Festival. Thus increasing economic impact of CS and TTAF on Owen Sound and area. 13
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE... For the first time publically we are excited to announce that for the second consecutive year in a row that the Tom Thomson Arts Festival has been successful in securing funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport under the Celebrate Ontario grant program in the amount of $40,000. 14
Tom Thomson Arts Festival THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN 2012, LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN 2013. See you at the Tom Thomson Arts Festival in September! 15
There s always something going on at the TOM! For over 40 years Owen Sound s Anchor Arts & Cultural Institute. Contributing to why Owen Sound is where you want to live! Exhibitions. Education. Special Events. Gift Shop. Tours. 16