Arts Trail Creation

The genesis of the Arts Trail occurred in 2004 when a Strategic Economic Development Plan prepared for the County of Prince Edwardidentified arts, culture and heritage as a sector ripe for development relative to its economic potential. By 2005 County Council had adopted a Cultural Strategic Plan (CSP), including a working group entitled the Cultural Round Table, positioning Prince Edward County as a leader in municipal cultural planning.

The Cultural Round Table, working, in part, to raise the profile of local culture, chose to make one of its first initiatives the development of the Arts Trail. To help make the trail a reality, it partnered with the Municipal Economic Development Department and the County's non-profit destination marketing organization, Taste the County.

According to Kathleen Kennedy, Taste the County's executive director, the Arts Trail is an exciting addition to the County's line up of unique experiences. It solidifies our reputation as a compelling destination that truly is a feast for the senses.

Funding for the project came from a variety of sources including the municipality, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Ministry of Tourism Investment and Development Office and artist stakeholders.

The Arts Trail was developed by Taste the County in partnership with the Municipal Economic Development Department, the Cultural Round Table and the arts community to highlight local artists, studios and galleries while providing the consumer with a unique County cultural experience.