Art Exhibition Committee

This group is responsible for identifying public art exhibitions from local, regional and national artists and making recommendations on scheduling the exhibits. They have developed a calendar for exhibitions through 2006 selecting artists, establishing guidelines for exhibitions and will make recommendations for future exhibits at The Village Theater.

Artists Advisory Council is comprised of representatives of the Village Theater resident art groups and visual and performing arts, this council provides input to the Commission on creating an environment that is supportive of artists and arts organizations. The council makes recommendations for programs, practices and ideas that will promote the arts in Canton.

This committee has used their time together to form partnerships that will enhance arts in the community and cross marketing. They have worked diligently to build the Village Theater calendar through 2008.

Community Advisory Council

This committee is representative of all segments of the community, all Canton neighborhoods, and close neighboring communities to identify community needs and cultural activities. Serves as mechanism for gaining information and understanding of community needs and desires regarding cultural activities.

Currently developing a comprehensive communication plan which will enable the Commission for Culture, Arts and Heritage and its subordinate groups to deliver cultural related information to Canton residents, and in turn receive community viewpoints on cultural topics

MLK Day Sub-Committee

The 2006 MLK Observance events ran from January 16 through the month of February. The January show included a photo exhibit, speech, chorus presentation, and a Rosa Parks video. The photo exhibit held public viewings throughout February and was visited by over 8,000 people. Over 900 students from various schools participated in their school field trips to view the photo exhibit and enjoy the diversity activities.

Multi-Cultural Committee

This newly established committee’s vision is “Building relationships with our neighbors through the arts.” A future production/event is being planned at The Village Theater to bring together all the theater art organizations to produce a multi-cultural show.

Public Art Committee

This committee is responsible for Public Art policies and guidelines; establishing and approving parameters for publicly funded Public Art and Exhibition projects; creating and participating in projects that help further public art throughout the community; and assisting with public education.

Challenge 24 – Photo Contest

Contest involves 24 photographers, 24 photos each, all taken within a 24 mile radius in 24 hours. Photos will be used for future publications and promotions.

Public Art Adjudication Committees

Current projects include the Permanent Sculpture at Ford and Canton Center Roads and the Temporary Art Exhibit along Ford Road. Canton’s Downtown Development Authority has commissioned both projects.

Partnership for the Arts and Humanities

The Partnership for the Arts and Humanities is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) cultural arts organization established to serve as the funding arm of the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts and Heritage.

The Partnership provides support to local artists, arts organizations and cultural activities through a grant making process. Additionally, the Partnership helped fund the construction of the Village Theater and will continue its fundraising efforts to support not only programming, but an endowment.

By contributing to the Partnership, you are supporting its mission and that of the Commission for Culture, Arts and Heritage to ensure high quality cultural arts that are accessible to and sustained by the greater Canton community.

For more information, please visit their website, or to make a donation, please call Director of Development, Elizabeth Knoll at 734/765-7061.

The Peter Rockwell Community Sculpture Project in memory of Dick Kirchgatter is well underway accepting contributions through the Partnership. Two bronze sculptures will be designed and created by internationally known artist Peter Rockwell and placed in Heritage Park.

Partnerships and Collaborations Committee

This committee markets and promotes existing partnerships and strategically determines what sponsorships and collaborations fit the desired profile for culture, arts and heritage in the Canton community.

The voucher program was established for businesses and groups to hold fundraising projects for upcoming Village Theater shows. “Tickets to Go” allows groups to sell vouchers (to be exchanged at the theater box office for tickets) to select upcoming events at The Village Theater. The group receives 50 percent of all vouchers sold.

Volunteer Council

A large group of volunteers that represent all segments of volunteer organizations in the greater Canton area led by Canton’s Volunteer Coordinator in partnership with the Commission for Culture, Arts and Heritage. Their purpose is to reach out as an informal extension of the commission, building partnerships and collaborations that promote cultural awareness.

Currently the Village Theater ushers have been the active group. This group provides ushers at each performance, assists with the delivery of flyers to area businesses, neighborhoods and organizations. There are currently 152 volunteer ushers.