Scugog Council for the Arts Highlights Major Economic and Cultural Impact

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Marion Meyers, of the Scugog Council for the Arts (SCA), recently painted a vivid picture of local artistic vitality, during a presentation to Scugog Township council, showcasing the organization’s growing economic, cultural, and community contributions.

Ms. Meyers began with compelling numbers from the group’s bustling Gallery and Shop, now in a more prominent downtown location, since November 2024. “We’ve welcomed 10,900 visitors over the past year, generating $54,000 in spending, a 21 percent increase in traffic and 50 percent increase in sales,” Marion said. “This isn’t just good news for the arts, it’s a real boost to our local economy.”

The Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture’s TREIM model estimates tourist visits, to the gallery alone, brought an additional $1.1 million in visitor spending and supported eight full-time equivalent jobs.

In 2024, the gallery hosted 10 solo exhibitions, the Annual Juried Show featuring more than 30 artists, and showcased the work of 32 Resident Artists and nine Biidaaban Artists. Sales also included locally made books and Cds, from 11 artisans and musicians. Fees collected through artist programs brought in approximately $26,000.

The story was much the same for SCA’s festivals and tours. The Lake Scugog Studio Tour and Culture Days festival, together, drew over 7,000 attendees, with 2,800 identified as tourists. This resulted in $1.05 million in additional visitor spending, $778,000 in GDP contribution, and the creation of nine jobs, according to TREIM.

“These numbers are exciting, but the true power of the arts is in bringing people together,” Ms. Meyers told council. “Culture Days, alone, brought 78 different creatives into our programming, from musicians and storytellers to Indigenous leaders and emerging visual artists.”

That festival was bolstered by $30,000 in grant funding, featuring collaborations with over a dozen local organizations, including Theatre on the Ridge, Scugog Historical Society, and local breweries and cideries.

Among the many highlights, from 2024, were the launch of Scugog’s first Poet Laureate, Hollay Ghadery, the initiation of the “Authors in Conversation” series with the Scugog Library, and the success of the "Art in the Alley" program, a free downtown drop-in for children all summer long.

The Scugog Arts team also worked to support local creative individuals with over 20 professional development workshops, artist socials, and the Literary Contest: Ekphrastic Writing. “We’re proud to pay all artists market rates, whether they’re musicians, writers, or visual artists,” said Ms. Meyers. “When artists thrive, our whole community benefits.”

In addition to attracting $150,000 in total grant funding, for 2024, SCA secured its first-ever direct funding from the Township of Scugog, $10,000. Support also came from organizations like: Ontario Trillium Foundation, Central Counties Tourism, Durham Tourism, and Canada Summer Jobs.

With a volunteer base of over 120 people, contributing nearly 4,000 hours in 2024 alone, valued at nearly $69,000, Ms. Meyers emphasized how community-driven Scugog Arts truly is. “We exist because of the people of this township. Our impact reflects their passion for creativity, connection, and culture.”

Councillors expressed appreciation for the work of the SCA. “It’s clear the arts aren’t just nice to have, they’re a driving force for economic development and community wellbeing,” commented Mayor Wilma Wotten, following the presentation.

As Ms. Meyers concluded, she offered a final reflection: “We’re not just making art. We’re making community. And with continued support, Scugog Arts will keep bringing colour, creativity, and connection to every corner of the township.”