It’s this inclusiveness that expresses the region’s all-encompassing approach to becoming a great place to live, work and play. It translates itself from the art that local artists craft to the innovative businesses that plant their roots in Durham. This is what the Art of Transition (AOT) is all about.

Back Row: Sue Sutcliffe, Todd Skinner, Jason Atkins, Kerri King, Dr. Greg Baeker, Nina Conrad, Wayne Conrad. Front Row: Lisa Weiss, Donna Raetsen-Kemp, Kristyn Chambers.

The aftermath of AOT has reached an important point in determining “the next steps”; an important turning point that will address how we proceed in delivering a strategy to enhance Durham’s cultural flavour. The recently composed Creative Think Tank Advisory Group met for the first time in March to map out a path for Durham to take in its evolutionary journey. I would like to thank all participants of the advisory group for
opening their minds to this task.

• Ambrose Samulski, Planet Earth Initiative
• Bernard Leroux, Northlight Pictures
• David Slabodkin, Canada Protection Plan
• Don Lovisa, Durham College
• Donna Raetsen-Kemp, Whitby Station Gallery
• Dr. Greg Baeker, AuthentiCity
• Dr. Richard Marceau, UOIT
• Geordie Lishman, Artist
• Jason Atkins, 360 Incentives.com
• Kristyn Chambers, The Regional Municipality of Durham
• Lisa Weiss, Parkwood National Historic Site
• Sue Sutcliffe, aWEBthatWORKS
• Todd Skinner, The Growth Coach
• Wayne Conrad, Omachron Science Inc.

We encourage you to also open your mind for this purpose. You can always log onto our website www.artoftransition.ca to contribute your comments in a form that can inspire immediate dialogue and feedback.

With your help, we look forward to creating a cultural map that shows the roads leading to Durham Region’s
vibrant future!

Kerri King, Manager of Tourism

The Regional Municipality of Durham

905-668-7711 ext. 2606

The day of the AOT symposium crested on a tsunami of interest and excitement. Our speakers all addressed how the arts and culture sector can be the heart and soul of a community, as well as being a driving force in the economy. The research and theory they brought to us provided invaluable background to the work we have to do now.

It’s obvious this message resonated with huge numbers of artists, business people, educators and political players. In the weeks following the event, comments, ideas and visions have continued to flow in from all of
you. Thank you!

Creativity depends in large part on taking formerly separate ideas and combining them to make new and innovative solutions. Everyone who has engaged in dialogue with us since the event has had a unique insight or perspective to contribute. The task now is to take these particular ideas and synthesize them.

At the end of the symposium we developed an initial work plan. In the spirit and practice of creativity, we will be asking for your ongoing engagement, input and effort as we implement this plan. This zine has been developed to keep you informed of our challenges and achievements, as well as your opportunities to contribute.

Tourism Manager for Durham Region, Kerri King, with keynote speaker Dr. Richard Florida and Township of Scugog Mayor Marilyn Pearce, Chair of Durham Region’s Finance & Administration Committee.

With your help, we look forward to creating a cultural map that shows the roads leading to Durham Region’s
vibrant future!

Kerri King, Manager of Tourism
The Regional Municipality of Durham
905-668-7711 ext. 2606

Direct Line: 905.668.4113 ext. 2606
Fax: 905.666.6228
Toll Free: 800.413.0017

www.durhamtourism.ca
www.region.durham.on.ca