THE ARTS

We cultivate creativity of all sorts. Stratford is filled with the sights and sounds of actors and musicians, chefs and hoteliers, artists and writers perfecting their craft and passion. Stratford has a vibrant cultural scene with events being staged all year round. The most notable is the celebrated STRATFORD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, the epicentre for theatre in southwestern Ontario and arguably in Canada. Likewise, our appreciation of music is universal. Artists come to stay in our city and we attract international singers, musicians and composers, including world-famous Celtic songstress, Loreena McKennitt. Our civic passion for music is perhaps best displayed at STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC in July and August, and we host a great gathering of fiddlers and step-dancers in June.

Residents and visitors alike have a variety of cultural facilities to enjoy in Stratford when not attending a performance at the Festival. Our vibrant visual art scene is found in the artist collective of FACTORY 163, at GALLERY STRATFORD art lovers can enjoy curated shows or stroll along the river in summer for ART IN THE PARK exhibits.

Gallery Stratford, located close to the main theatre offers over 1,000 pieces in the permanent collection by Canadian artists. There are several other galleries in the city including studios where artists welcome visitors into their creative environment.

Our rich local history is summed up and displayed at the recently relocated and expanded STRATFORD-PERTH MUSEUM and the STRATFORD-PERTH ARCHIVES. Stratford has some of the best-conserved architectural heritage in Canada. Our city is one of the country’s 19th-Century architectural gems with Victorian mansions, Ontario cottages, churches, civic buildings and commercial buildings, many converted into shops and restaurants – you can even stay at a heritage bed & breakfast or inn.

PERTH ARTS CONNECT is composed of artists and artisans, Perth County businesses, organizations and those who support and appreciate the arts, dedicated to raise awareness and show the diversity of the arts, culture and heritage in the County.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival: Attendance and Revenue