Art Council History:

Originally formed in 1980, the Markham Arts Council had the prime objective of building a theatre. Working with the Town of Markham, the Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts came to be. The key members of the Arts Council at that point were from the Markham Little Theatre, Markham Concert Band and the Markham Men of Harmony. Once the Theatre opened in 1984, the Council was disbanded. The Markham Arts Council again established in 1996 but was not sustained.

In late 2003, the formation of the current Council was initiated by Ross Sutherland who sings with the Suburbanaires and is a huge community advocate. A steering committee was formed by a small group of the community arts people and the Markham Arts Council was born. The first public meeting was held in October 2004 and a Board of Directors elected in November that year. Colleen Cugini was elected as Chair of the Board.

Membership rates were established, logo design contest held, By-laws written (these are available to view on-line) and committees formed. For more details, click on About Us at the top of the Home page.