How can public art help shape a vibrant, connected and distinctive South Georgian Bay? That's the question at the heart of the upcoming Creative Collingwood Symposium, taking place Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Butter Gallery in Collingwood.
The evening will feature keynote speaker Rebecca Carbin, Principal and Founder of ART+PUBLIC UnLtd, who will explore the role public art can play in strengthening community identity, supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and creating meaningful connections between people and place.
South Georgian Bay is already a destination, known for its natural landscapes, outdoor recreation and growing arts, culture and culinary scene. As the region continues to grow, public art presents an opportunity to build on these existing strengths, connecting local attractions and experiences while creating shared spaces and stories for residents and visitors alike.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience planning, commissioning and curating public art across the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, Carbin will share real-world examples and practical ideas for bringing creativity into the public realm. Her work includes building the public art program for Waterfront Toronto.
Attendees will explore how public art can contribute to a region's identity, encourage visitors to explore local businesses and cultural attractions, and create opportunities for artists and creators to contribute to the places they call home. The symposium will also consider practical ways to connect available spaces, such as storefronts and building walls, with local creative talent.
Following the keynote, participants will have an opportunity to take part in lightly facilitated breakout discussions, encouraging networking, idea-sharing and collaboration.
The symposium welcomes small business owners, artists, makers, content creators, cultural organizations and anyone interested in the creative future of South Georgian Bay.
Event Details
• Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
• Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Location: Butter Gallery, 126 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
• Cost: $20, including nibbles and light refreshments
The evening begins with networking and refreshments at 5:30 p.m., followed by the keynote presentation at 6:15 p.m. and facilitated breakout discussions from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Registration
About ART+PUBLIC UnLtd
ART+PUBLIC UnLtd is a Toronto-based boutique public art consultancy founded in 2018 by Rebecca Carbin. Its network of curators, artists, art administrators and planners focuses on developing and implementing opportunities at the intersection of art and the public realm. Carbin brings more than 20 years of experience in public art planning, commissioning and curatorial practice across Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.