Cultural Policy and Action Plan 2025-2029 officially launched
On last Tuesday, March 11, the Town of Sutton officially launched its new Cultural Policy and ambitious 2025-2029 Action Plan, which were adopted by the municipal council on December 18. The evening presentation of these new municipal tools, to an audience of some thirty people from the cultural community, was an opportunity to eloquently express the importance and place of culture, in general, and in our community, in particular.
The revision of the Cultural Policy, which dates back to 2007, was the fruit of a meticulous process that brought to light the issues, aspirations and needs of culture in Sutton, home to a large number of artists and artisans, as well as no fewer than 18 cultural organizations.
Mayor Robert Benoît praised culture: “Culture is what enables us to understand history, it is the mortar of our societies. At local level, it is the living heart of our community. Its vitality must be supported, starting with the municipal level. This Cultural Policy comes at just the right time. We congratulate the municipal team and the committee for their work, and we thank the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications for the $20,000 grant that financed 50% of the process.”
Then, through its General Manager Pascal Smith, the town reaffirmed its commitment to making culture, the arts and our local heritage accessible to a wider public. “With this new Policy, we have clarified the municipality’s role as a partner and facilitator with players in the cultural community. The revision process was based on strong statistical, strategic and consultative foundations, as well as a clear vision.”
Over 200 people took part in the citizen consultations. Their input, along with the work of the Policy Monitoring Committee, led to the development of an updated Policy and a far-reaching action plan.
Director of Recreation, Community Life and Culture Élizabeth Deit, who accompanied the entire process along with Cultural Officer Marie-Claude Plasse, outlined the 10 findings that emerged from the consultations and on which the Policy’s 4 axes and objectives were built. “At the end of this process, we drew up an ambitious five-year action plan in line with these objectives. It targets 39 concrete actions, 28 of which are planned for this year. They are being carried out by municipal officials and partners. There’s no question of leaving the action plan on a shelf! We will soon be presenting the policy and action plan to the children at our elementary school, because they are part of the cultural development process. We will also be drawing up an annual report on the actions we have taken.
Call to join the new Policy and Action Plan Monitoring Committee!
The evening was an opportunity toremind participants of the Town’scall for candidates for the new Monitoring Committee, following the adoption of its composition by the Town Council on March 5: the Committee needs a citizen representative, a representative of a recognized organization working in culture, and an artist or artisan. It’s a great mission for anyone who supports culture!
More information on call for applications
The Cultural Policy and Action Plan 2025-2029 are available on the Town’s websiteand in hard copy at the reception desk of Town Hall.
To read: Adoption of the Cultural Policy by the municipal council on December 18, 2024
