The folks at the Midland Cultural Centre want everyone to know that the centre is open, accessible, and available for everyone in the community to experience the transformative power of the arts.
Midland Cultural Centre (MCC) Executive Director Dan Broome said, “We serve as a beacon for arts and culture in our area, by supporting the arts organizations here, any way we can. We meet them where they are, and work together to help culture thrive in Midland and surrounding regions.”
Broome went on to illustrate the various ways the MCC celebrates culture in the region. “The Huronia Players, our community theatre company, has its own performing space here, and puts on three shows a year for the community. Quest Gallery is one of our tenants, and their exhibitions and shows are open to the public, for free, during our operating hours. We have two free open mic nights every month, to showcase spoken word, comedic routines, and local musical talent.”
The MCC is a charitable non-profit, and it is community-based and volunteer-driven. “We have over 200 volunteers who support our work here,” said Broome. “We also collaborate regularly with local nonprofit organizations and have many partnerships. For example, this year, the Askennonia Seniors Centre and Big Brothers Big Sisters North Simcoe were our partners for the 2023 Intergenerational Drum & Uke Camp.”
Other Midland organizations help the MCC keep programming in the centre accessible. “The Midland Rotary Club is a big supporter of ours, from day one,” Broome explained. “Our larger performing space is named Rotary Hall, because of this support. The Midland Rotary Club subsidizes various family shows that we bring into the MCC, so that we can offer diverse programming at affordable prices.”
Coming up, the MCC has some fantastic seasonal programming for all ages, and yes, it will be accessible to everyone. “Santa is coming for a visit to the MCC on December 9. We are presenting two shows, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and admission is free.” said Broome. “Santa will be chatting with Fred Hacker, and children will have the opportunity to do a holiday craft with Quest Art before the event. Following the talk with Santa, the children will be able to go on stage to drop off their Christmas wishlist into Santa's mailbox and meet Santa for a photo opportunity. This event is free thanks to the wonderful support of the Midland Rotary Club.”
Other seasonal events coming up include the family-friendly show with the Rock Art Puppets, a seasonal celebration with The Barrel Boys, on November 25, two Good Lovelies shows on December 9, A Very Very Cassie and Maggie Christmas on December 11, and the Dufflebag Theatre company presentation of “A Christmas Carol”, on December 16.
Broome concluded, “We invite everyone in the community to come out to the Midland Cultural Centre and see what’s happening. From captivating musical and theatrical performances to art exhibits to interactive arts education experiences, the Midland Cultural Centre is more than a venue; it's a catalyst for inspiration and a celebration of the rich tapestry of human expression in the heart of Ontario.”
For more information or tickets to shows, click here.