Newmarket could become a town known principally for the arts over the next five years, according to Mayor John Taylor.
Some of the town’s artistic leaders offered their stories of success during the Arc Summit today, Nov. 29. The event gathered businesses for a day of motivational speeches to inspire new ideas.
Taylor said he sees huge economic potential in the arts for the town going forward.
“Maybe five years from now, the GTA knows Newmarket as the arts town,” he said. “We step up boldly and say this is what we’re going to be. This is how we’re going to develop the community.”
Dozens of businesses took part in the arts-themed breakout session at EVENTMRKT for the summit. A pair of the town’s top artists discussed how they have been able to find success in Newmarket.
Newmarket Youtuber Peter McKinnon said there is an appeal to making his art happen in a smaller town.
With over 5.8 million Youtube subscribers, the photographer and vlogger has gained a lot of notoriety on the internet. But he said he prefers working here versus pursuing his work in a larger city.
“I like the idea of a small town when you’re starting ... a small town nobody making it and staying in a small town,” McKinnon said. “I like being able to inspire a younger generation everywhere that there are lots of people around the world that live in small towns like this.”
Beth Stevenson founded Brain Power Studio, the Newmarket-based film company that has shot dozens of films in town.
She said Newmarket became a home for her, and she was determined to do part of her business here.
“I slowly picked up people from the community,” she said. “I wanted to be here. To see so many younger people that were growing up that were choosing to educate themselves and to do their schooling in the arts, and then to say, ‘hey, you can do it right here.’
“From my perspective, it was all sitting there waiting for me.”
As far as what will happen next for Newmarket arts, Stevenson said the community would have more chances to get out into the world. She said the town is getting more attention from people elsewhere.
“There’s a buzz about Newmarket,” she said. “It's exciting."
McKinnon said he has found value in being there for the local community, and he wants to create a physical space where he can teach others in person.
“I want to make it a spot where people come to Newmarket to learn how to take over the world with media,” he said.
The town will need a plan to bring about a greater artistic community, Taylor said. He suggested there could be a public art space with a mixture of the private and public sectors.
“It’s going to be a big conversation,” Taylor said. “There’s a lot of opportunity there. It’s figuring that puzzle out … If we do it and do it right, I think Newmarket is going to really differentiate itself. We’re going to create a really exciting energy here.”
