Artsweek to draw top Ontario talent to Peterborough

People can expect to see some of the most talented artists in the province at Artsweek this year – but the performers don’t have to travel far to get here.

The festival features more than 100 local artists in 40 events over 10 days.

It kicks off Friday, running until Sept. 30.

This year’s theme is Art in Unexpected Places.

Details of this year’s programming were announced at the Artsweek Festival Headquarters on George St. near Hunter St. on Wednesday.

“I think these are some of the best and most talented people, not just in Peterborough, but in the province,” said Su Ditta, Artsweek executive producer.

This year’s programming has everything from music and dance to poetry and puppetry.

All events are held in public spaces and are free to attend.

“We want to make art acces-

sible to everybody,” Ditta said.

Artsweek gets underway with opening ceremonies at the Peterborough Public Library on Friday at 7 p.m.

That’s also when local filmmaker Lester Alphonso’s film, Imaginarium, will premiere, screening on the library’s 16 windows.

Artsweek is showcasing 14 new programs this year, in addition to bring back some festival favourites.

At Peterborough Square, Sorry About What Happened at the Mall will see artists dancing on escalators and Divergent Dances Peterborough will have performers dangling from the rooftop for an aerial show.

Returning for another run is Poetry Take Out Cart (poetry on demand), along with Porchapalooza (front porch concerts) in East City and The Avenues this year.

Striving for greater accessibility, Artsweek partnered with the Council for Persons with Disabilities this year to ensure everyone is able to see performances comfortably.

After 10 days of arts and entertainment, Artsweek winds down Sept. 29 with the Artsweek Apple Cider Social. It’s an autumn picnic in Millennium Park, with pies, snacks, apple cider, music and dancing.

Artsweek is presented by the Electric City Culture Council (EC3), the official municipal arts, culture and heritage service organization.

EC3 took over the reins from the city three years ago. The city first launched the festival in 2005 to celebrate 100 years as an incorporated municipality.

NOTE: Artsweek’s full lineup is at www.artsweekptbo.com