Sponsorship Overview

The York Region Arts Council (YRAC) is the only York Region-wide nonprofit charitable arts service organization focused on capacity building, creative placemaking and community engagement in support of artists, arts organizations and creative entrepreneurs. Our mission is to be the central hub for a vital and vibrant arts, culture, and tourism scene in York Region. Our vision is for resilient and thriving communities where the arts, culture and tourism sectors are recognized and celebrated for their social and economic impact in York Region, the diversity of York Region is represented through its local artists, cultural and tourist organizations, and that visitors of all ages and backgrounds are aware of our dynamic arts, culture, and tourism scene, while residents feel connected through a sense of pride and belonging. We realize our mission in part, through two communication channels, York Region Arts Council (yorkregionartscouncil.com) and Experience York Region (experienceyorkregion.com) which are both supported by their own social media channels. (IG, FB, Twitter & Youtube). Since 2011, XYR has operated as the sole Destination Marketing Office (DMO) in the Region, in partnership with the Regional Municipality of York and leading all tourism promotion across its nine municipalities (Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Vaughan) , working in collaboration with two new tourism offices launched in Markham and Vaughan in 2020. YRAC’s Strategic Plan 2020-2024 was designed using extensive research and consultation to recognize the deep impact of C-19 on our regional arts, culture, and tourism sector, and focuses on opportunities for arts and culture to drive local and hyper-local tourism. The strategic directions, goals, and priorities position YRAC/XYR to continue playing a leadership role in community development by providing quality services, development programs, and special event programming. YRAC has the unique opportunity to be that connecting resource for the region and help close the gap and between diverse artistic presentations within public spaces around the region. There is a particular focus on supporting partnerships through presentation in accessible, public places that are managed by some of YRAC’s key stakeholders, including municipalities, BIA’s, Chambers of commerce and cultural hubs.