Paisley (Photo provided by Bruce County)
Trinity Theatre is partnering with local arts organizations to plan a special event next year to mark the municipality’s 150th anniversary.
Trinity Theatre Co-Executive Director Sandra Crockard says they are aiming to hold this event throughout Paisley both outside and at local facilities July 12-14, 2024.
She says this event, which is currently in the planning stages, will be an inclusive, intergenerational, inter-arts approach to draw local artists, artisans, musicians, storytellers, filmmakers, performers, and community members to honour the history and heritage of the village.
She says for the event, the theatre will put on a play, but will include several different aspects, including art pieces, musicians and story telling, while taking place throughout the weekend.
“We have dreams of starting off the Friday with speeches and all things in the square, but we would have a play that involves all local people, heritage performers and actors and local volunteers all involved in a play that happens at different locations,” says Crockard.
She adds the play will present the history of Paisley through the lens of the community’s infrastructure, including heritage, education, commerce, and health.
Additionally, artisans will be demonstrating wood turning, forging, quilting, spinning, weaving, and various Indigenous arts.
“As we want to be able to have a legacy, something that is not so temporal, but something that is lasting by way of our arts contribution, we have two mural projects that we are dreaming of having,” says Crockard.
The murals depicting the heritage moments of the past 150 years will be mounted at the Thompson Building, replacing the murals currently on the gallery wall.
“We are looking to include as many artists, artisans, community members, volunteers as we possibly can and just celebrate all things Paisley,” says Crockard.
The Trinity Theatre recently visited Arran-Elderslie council, and Crockard says they were granted an in-kind donation of waiving the rental fees to use a local facility.
As the event is currently in the planning stages, Crockard says they are looking for assistance to raise funds to put on the event. Those interested in donating can visit the Trinity Theatre website here.
