Cultural Development
Culture, arts and heritage at the core of the community!
Sutton is a bilingual town where artistic and cultural expressions, events and heritage are an integral part of the community's daily life.
Between tradition and modernity, the dynamism and diversity of Sutton's cultural scene thrives on constant collaboration between cultural partners, citizens and the municipality. Thanks to their involvement, participation and commitment, culture is the living heart of the community, contributing to social cohesion and residents' sense of belonging.
An outline of Sutton's cultural development initiatives
The Town of Sutton's first Cultural Policy, adopted in 2007, transformed the perception and roles of local culture, arts and heritage. As a result, the Town developed objectives that ensured cohesion in its interventions, and established guidelines that improved the Town's support for local cultural organizations.
The Action Plan accompanying this Policy has allowed each stakeholder to participate in Sutton cultural development. An analysis of the 17 objectives and 30 actions in the plan revealed that nearly 88% of them had been achieved. For example: the development of a seasonal program of activities, a Public Art Policy, the creation of Heritage Tours, the creation of the position of Cultural Development Officer (now Cultural Officer), the presence of financial support for organizations, etc.
In 2012, a new consultation with cultural organizations and the Sutton population enabled an update of the action plan. Over 75% of the planned actions were successfully completed: cultural mediation projects, an advertising partnership with Sutton Tourism, the creation of audio heritage tours, the creation of a management framework and inventory of built heritage, an inventory of the territory's cemeteries and the adoption of a cemetery conservation and maintenance policy, etc.
A new cultural policy that reflect in our vision
To build on the efforts of the past seventeen years, the Town of Sutton is proposing a complete renewal of its Cultural Policy and Action Plan, based on the changes that have taken place in our community since their implementation. Adopted by the Town Council on December 18, 2024, these two new documents are intended as a management tool that will enable the Town of Sutton to work in collaboration with local cultural players.
Playing the role of partner and facilitator, the Town wishes to support cultural organizations, promote artists, artisans and creators, and enhance our community's heritage. It will foster the community's development by ensuring cultural accessibility for all. Within the framework of the new action plan, priority will be given to preserving what has already been achieved and adapting to the new realities of our cultural milieu.