About Us
Mission and Vision
Mission :
To enrich Markham residents’ lives through diverse arts and cultural programming, fostering community wellbeing, economic growth, and equitable opportunities for local artists and vulnerable groups.
Vision:
To enrich the lives of Markham residents through arts and cultural programming and activities. Our goal is to leverage arts and culture to enhance the community’s overall wellbeing. Our programs focus on providing the following benefits to artists and the community at large.
- Supporting local small businesses by leveraging the arts for economic development.
- Working with the community to identify gaps and providing relevant and meaningful support to vulnerable groups such as seniors to assist with physical, mental, and emotional well-being
- Supporting local programs and events and designing meaningful activations to assist with tourism growth
- Create jobs and work opportunities for artists locally providing equitable opportunities to artists from vulnerable populations including BIPOC artists, artists identifying as LGBTQ+, artists from rural regions and artists from lower economic backgrounds
Values:
- Inclusivity: Embracing diversity and ensuring equitable access to arts and culture for all residents of Markham.
- Innovation: Encouraging creativity and new ideas in all our programs and initiatives.
- Collaboration: Building partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations to enhance the impact of our work.
- Sustainability: Promoting sustainable practices in all our operations and programs.
History
2004
Established
Markham Arts Council (MAC)

2007
Early Development
Focus on establishing core programs and community outreach.
2008-2010
Introduction of Key Programs
Initiation of annual events and programs to engage the community in arts and culture.
2011-2012
Expansion of Programs
Growth in the number of programs offered, including visual and performing arts events.
2013-2014
Consolidation and Growth
Strengthening of existing programs and introduction of new initiatives to broaden community participation.
2015-2017
Strategic Partnerships
Development of partnerships with local businesses and organizations to enhance program offerings and community impact. Focus on increasing member participation and volunteer involvement in MAC activities.
2018-2019
Program Diversification
Expansion into new areas of arts programming, including digital arts and multimedia. Efforts to build organizational capacity through training, volunteer recruitment, and improved infrastructure.
2020- Mid 2021
Pandemic Response
Shift to virtual programming in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Launch of virtual events such as Markham at the Movies online screenings, virtual art shows, and online workshops.
2021 – Mid 2022
Continuation of Virtual Programming
Continued adaptation to the pandemic with more robust virtual offerings. Introduction of new virtual programs and events to maintain community engagement.
2022 – Mid 2023
Hybrid Model
Implementation of a hybrid model combining virtual and in-person events as pandemic restrictions ease.
2023-2024
Program Launch
Markham Talent Open Casting Call and Showcase
2024
Art Exhibits for local artists
Art Exhibits for local artists including the launch of the Veteran art exhibit at Aaniin Community centre and Artist wall at Toyota Don Valley North
2024 – Mid 2025
Virtual program
Online Art Therapy for Seniors is Back
Our Team
Founded in 2004, the Markham Arts Council thrives under the guidance of a talented and dedicated team.














