The 807 Collective: Strength In Numbers

Why are you trying to play this game on solo mode? The real wins happen when we pool our resources across the 807.

Being an artist in a small town can feel like you’re on an island. You’re doing the work, you’re hustling, but you feel like no one at the provincial level even knows your town exists. That is the old way of thinking. The new way is about radical collaboration. Capacity building in northwestern ontario isn't just about one person getting a grant; it is about building a network that is too big to ignore.

When we talk about strengthened partnerships with provincial networks and research institutions, it sounds like dry policy talk. But here is what it actually means: it means we have the power to demand reform. It means we get access to the same technical production training and funding that the big cities do. But we only get that if we show up together. We need to be loud, organized, and professional. This is the 'real talk' part—you can't just be a lone wolf anymore.

Creative entrepreneurship is a team sport. If you’re a filmmaker in Thunder Bay, you should be talking to the digital artist in Kenora and the festival organizer in Red Lake. When we create these links, we build a safety net for everyone. We can share equipment, share knowledge, and most importantly, share audiences. This is how we solve the labor shortage. We train each other. We mentor the next generation so they don't feel like they have to flee south to find a career.

Capacity building is about innovation. It is about looking at our outdoor and cultural experiences and saying, 'How do we make this world-class?' It starts with a shift in mindset. Stop competing with your neighbor and start building a fortress with them. The North has always been about survival through community. Our art scene should be no different. Let's build something that lasts longer than us.

Northwestern Ontario Arts, Culture and Recreation

Rooted in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario we're exploring arts, culture, and recreation programming that brings our communitiess together. From creative workshops and local exhibitions to youth activities and cultural events, we support rural artists, strengthen community connection, and celebrate the creative spirit of Northwestern Ontario.

Through community-based arts initiatives, recreation programming, and cultural gatherings, Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture fosters creative expression, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in the northern arts sector. Our work connects residents, empowers youth, and builds pride in local talent across rural Northwestern Ontario.

Learn more about our programs, events, and opportunities at Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.