The Brampton Arts Organization is a registered non-profit that champions Brampton’s diverse arts, culture and creative industries and advocates for the #BramptonArtist. We work to build a thriving, confident, valued, and empowered creative scene by offering a range of programs, services and resources. In this, BAO is a key partner in fulfilling the City of Brampton’s strategic vision and Culture Master Plan. Our registered non-profit corporation number is 1540064-3.

Throughout the year, we offer free in-person and virtual programming for all creative disciplines. These programs focus on helping artists build and professionalize their practices. We also create opportunities for artists to show their work through regular calls. In addition to these programs for individual creatives, we offer programs for Brampton-based creative businesses and arts and culture organizations.

Our Vision: A thriving, confident, and valued creative scene and cultural ecology is the heart of our prosperous mosaic city.

Our Mission: To incubate, advance, connect and advocate for Brampton’s arts, culture and creative industries.

Our Values: Passion and Ambition, Diversity and Inclusiveness, Service, Community and Collaboration, Excellence and Innovation, Optimism.

We are focused on providing programs and services in collaboration with inter and cross-sectoral partners in the areas of:

  1. Funding, finance and investment.
  2. Leadership, advocacy and innovation.
  3. Sector development and growth.

BAO is a member of the Alliance of Arts Councils of Ontario (AACO), an institutional member of the  Indigenous Curatorial Collective and the CARFAC.​​

2022 highlights include:

  • 605% increase in Brampton Arts Organization event and program attendance in 2022.
  • More than 3,240 local artists participated in one of our 87 events, programs and workshops in 2022.
  • 132 Brampton artists showcased through 10 calls for submission in 2022.
  • Launched the Creative Space Catalogue: a public space inventory of more than 200 Brampton sites where arts and culture activities can take place.
  • Launched the BAO Ambassador Program with Brampton representatives including: Director X, Rupi Kaur, Haviah Mighty, Sasha Leigh Henry and others across creative disciplines.

Full BAO 2022 Annual Report (PDF)2021 Annual Report​

Announcements

The Brampton Poetry Project

Call to Brampton poets and writers. Have your poem featured on a large mobile sign in Brampton.
Submission Deadline: May 19, 2024 at 11:59 PM

Brampton Artist in Residence Program

Call for professional artists, writers, arts organizations and collectives. Receive up to $8000 in funding and a dedicated workspace. Application deadline: May 5, 2024, at 11:59 PM

Join the BAO Volunteer Team

Are you passionate about supporting arts and culture in Brampton? Have you taken part in BAO workshops and events and now you want to do more? We are looking for friendly, motivated, and outgoing community members to join BAO’s Volunteer Team! Apply before Sunday, April 28th at 11:59 PM to be considered.

BAO News Releases

Find Brampton Arts Organization news releases, service and information updates, and other background information you may find helpful.

Newcomer Creative Exchange Launched

Are you a newcomer artist or cultural worker in Brampton? Are you interested in meeting other creatives and exploring arts and culture venues in Brampton and the GTA? BAO’s Newcomer Creative Exchange program has been developed after consultation with the community to create a space for Brampton-based newcomer creatives and cultural workers to gather, network, create, and learn together in a welcoming and supportive environment.

BAO Strategic Plan 2023-2025

Our 2023-2025 plan is one grounded in our values and the needs of Bramptonians as we work to help drive the local arts and culture sector forward with a shared vision for lifting, supporting, showcasing and celebrating the arts in Brampton.

Initiatives

Events

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BAO Land Acknowledgment

For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples inhabited and cared for this land, and continue to do so today. Brampton Arts Organization is located on the Treaty Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Huron - Wendat; Haudenosaunee. Brampton resides within Treaty 19 and is referred to as the Ajetance Purchase. BAO recognizes the Indigenous peoples whose names were not recorded have travelled through and cared for this territory from time immemorial. We acknowledge and respect that all life comes from the land and that we must also care for this land and all life that inhabits this land.

We recognize the enduring presence of First Nations, Metis, Inuit on Turtle Island and strive to deepen our own understanding of the host Nations on whose territory we reside and we encourage all those that now call Brampton home to learn about the history and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We are grateful for the opportunity to grow our families on this land and promise to care for the waters, the sky and all beings looking Seven Generations ahead.​​​​​​