ABOUT ARTS RICHMOND HILL

Founded in 1979, Arts Richmond Hill is a community based Arts Council whose mandate is the advancement of arts and culture through promotion, awareness, and education.

Arts Richmond Hill is supported through membership, donations, sponsorships, and grants.

It is our long-term goal to create an "Integrated Living Arts Community" in association with all members of the public, and to perpetuate arts and culture within our community for the next generation.

Arts Richmond Hill is a not-for-profit, registered charity, and voluntary organization committed to enhancing the arts and culture in the Town of Richmond Hill through an entrepreneurial approach to program, service, facility provision.

ORGANIZATION VALUES

 Accessible programs, services, and facilities regardless of age, gender, economic position and cultural background; unification not Arts Organizations for the enhancement of the intrinsic values of arts and culture; open debate of arts and culture challenges and collaborative resolution of related issues; fiscal and organizational accountability to residents and Town Council; provision of quality arts and culture experiences for participants and spectators alike.

 MEMBERSHIP

Membership is not limited to artists and arts groups but is open to any individual or organization interested in supporting the continuing value of arts and culture with the community.

Our members consist of visual, performing, literary and heritage organization and arts supporters. We provide a number of benefits to our members.

 A Quarterly Newsletter

 Networking

 Joint Venture Opportunities

 Assistance in obtaining insurance

 Priority for performance

 Events Promoting Member Business

 Advice and Planning Assistance

 Advancement & Awareness of the Arts to the Public

 Membership cards

 Artist profile in the Newsletter

 Link to member’s website

 Free entrance to selected festivals and performances

Volunteerism

Arts Richmond Hill is a volunteer based organization operated by a volunteer board of directors with a committee structure. Each event sponsored by Arts Richmond Hill requires many additional volunteers. Volunteerism cover a broad range of arts-related activities.

ANNUAL EVENTS/PROGRAMMES 

Each year Arts Richmond Hill sponsors select events. Our aim is to showcase our members and broaden awareness of the many arts and cultural opportunities available to the public.

*Heritage Village Festival - An annual street festival attracting over 15,000 visitors and featuring our members, community groups, music/dance groups and arts/crafts artisans.

*Festival of Lights ­- Popular community evening celebration which begins with the official lighting of the Christmas tree followed by a multi-cultural program for children and adults.

*Bursary – Awarded to graduating secondary school student pursuing further education in arts.

*Music Festival – A piano, string, woodwind, and vocal competition for the talented young in our community. Scholarships awarded and winners featured at our Winner’s Gala Concert.

*Festival Gala Concert and Volunteer appreciation night – showcasing some of the festival winners.

*Grand Gala: A formal dinner and concert to raise money for a new piano for the Richmond Hill Centre For The Performing Arts

*Partnership with Opera York, “Through Opera Glasses”- workshops/lecture.

*Sponsor the Town of Richmond Hill

Annual Studio Tour and Art Sale. 

In addition, we sponsor special projects such as Arts in Education, Theater Nights and workshops.