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What is this project about?
SONG is building a replicable rural model for youth-led cultural production — one that empowers small communities to not only access the arts, but actively shape and share their own cultural voices.
This project stabilizes and scales our operations by adding a seasonal Summer Program Coordinator, responsible for leading public cultural programming and deepening rural engagement.
Our cultural anchor is our SoundStage — a monthly, youth-led performance series rotating through venues like community halls, local theatres, and fairs. These events showcase new music created by young people and offer families regular opportunities to participate in local cultural life.It adds one-on-one mentorship with professional artists that develop the youth talent. And finally, through SONG the bookings and stage management are all handled for the youth.
Importantly, recruiting youth through our SoundStage will filter back into our year-round AfterSchool Program, where we are funded to provide instruments, classroom access, and professional mentorship to developing artists in the county. This summer addition will establish a year-round cycle that develops young talent and shares it with the community.
This project transforms SONG from a teaching program into a rural culture incubator: developing Canadian talent, strengthening arts employment outside urban cores, and laying the foundation for other communities to follow. The outcome is measurable, visible, and rooted in Sounds of rural Ontario’s Next Generation.
Why is this project important to the community?
Rural youth in Ontario face fewer opportunities for artistic development and cultural expression. Arts opportunities are limited in schools. Professional mentors are rarely local. And families often travel far — or go without — to access meaningful cultural programs.
SONG is changing that. But with growing demand and limited instructional hours, we can’t keep up. This project addresses that gap and ensures that rural youth are not only included — they are empowered as artists and cultural contributors.
Primary beneficiaries are children and teens across Northumberland County — especially those in isolated communities, lower-income families, or marginalized groups. They will gain more frequent access to music, mentorship, and public performances. We will be present in more communities, more consistently, and offer programming all year long.
Secondary beneficiaries include parents, educators, and community members who will attend regular youth-led concerts and see their towns reflected in original creative works. New volunteers and adult singers (via community choirs we have launched) will have low-barrier entry points into community arts.
This project will deepen cultural life in rural Ontario — keeping youth engaged locally, nurturing creative pride, and ensuring that rural stories are part of Canada’s cultural future.
Target Completion Date
September 30, 2027
Location
Box 67
Cobourg
K9A 4K2