Open Air Meridian kicks off with Culture Days in Downtown
Barrie!

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday Sept 17, 2024

Barrie, ON – The fall season in Downtown Barrie is set to begin in spectacular fashion with the highly anticipated Open Air Meridian Culture Days, a family-friendly celebration of arts and culture at Meridian Place. Taking place on Saturday September 21 2024, this exciting event is supported by The City of Barrie and promises a full day of community artistic endeavours that will bring together locals and visitors for an immersive cultural experience.

The day will feature three dynamic outdoor performances of Everyone Is Interesting: The Committed Edition (tickets available at tift.ca) by the renowned Talk Is Free Theatre, whose creative storytelling and innovative approach to theatre will captivate audiences of all ages. Alongside their performances, they will also present a unique FREE static installation, Telephone of the Wind, inspired by Japanese artist Itaru Sasaki. This classic British telephone booth display invites the community to share their thoughts, emotions, and memories through an imaginary phone line, offering a profound and reflective experience.

In addition to theatrical performances, O Stella, a gifted solo artist known for her evocative blend of folk and indie sounds, will be returning to Barrie to perform live at Meridian Place. Her powerful voice and storytelling will resonate with attendees, adding a soulful musical element to the day’s festivities. Adding to the fun, local artists will lead art activations throughout the day, encouraging creativity and hands-on participation for families and children. The event will also feature DJ music, keeping the energy high and the atmosphere lively, providing a soundtrack to the artistic displays and performances.

“Open Air Meridian Culture Days is an exciting opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the arts in all its forms,” said Alison Oakes – Owner of Oh Bee Hive. “We’re thrilled to offer a day of performances, music, and interactive art experiences that will inspire creativity and connect us all through culture.”

Event Highlights:
– Talk Is Free Theatre: Everyone Is Interesting performances, plus the **Telephone of the Wind** installation inspired by Japanese artist Itaru Sasaki.
– O Stella: Live solo performance by the acclaimed Canadian musician.
– Art Activations: Local artists will lead hands-on, creative activities for all ages.
– MacLaren Art Centre
– ‘All In Line’ interactive art activity
– City of Barrie Culture:
– Tea Mosaic
– Weaving
– Nature Threads
– Uptempo Dance: Workshops and Dancing
– DJ Music: Enjoy a lively atmosphere with music throughout the day.

Detailed Schedule:
– DJ: 10:00am – 11:00am
– MacLaren & City of Barrie FREE Art Activities: 10:00am – 4:00pm
– O’Stella Solo: 11:00am – 12 noon
– TIFT Performance 1 (tickets required): 12noon – 1:15pm
– Uptempo Dance Demo: 1:30pm – 2:00pm
– DJ: 2:00pm – 2:30pm
– TIFT Performance 2 (tickets required): 2:30pm – 3:45pm
– Uptempo Dance Demo: 4:00pm – 4:30pm
– TIFT Performance 3 (tickets required): 5:30pm – 6:45pm

Bring your family and friends for a day of creativity, music, and community spirit at Meridian Place! This event is free and open to all, making it a perfect way to spend a fall day while exploring and celebrating the artistic heartbeat of Downtown Barrie.
Talk Is Free Theatre (TIFT) is an innovative, artist-driven theatre company based in Barrie, Ontario. Founded in 2003 by Artistic Producer Arkady Spivak, TIFT is known for producing cutting-edge and often site-specific performances that push the boundaries of traditional theatre. The company specialises in developing and showcasing new works, with a particular focus on original and avant-garde productions, classical revivals, and unconventional performance
formats.

TIFT has garnered attention for its commitment to experimentation, producing intimate shows that often engage with the audience in creative and immersive ways. One of the hallmarks of Talk Is Free Theatre’s programming is its emphasis on non-traditional venues and its ability to transform spaces into dynamic settings for storytelling. Their productions are designed to surprise and provoke, often utilising unique formats like immersive theatre and interactive experiences to challenge the standard theatre-going expectations. Some of TIFT’s notable productions have earned critical acclaim in Canada and internationally, with performances
both in Barrie and on tour. The company has been recognized for its artistic contributions, pushing the envelope of live theatre, and elevating the cultural scene in smaller communities like Barrie while still maintaining a broad reach. For more information and event tickets, you can visit Talk Is Free Theatre’s official website at
tift.ca.

The MacLaren Art Centre plays a key role in the cultural life of the city, offering a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and community events.
The MacLaren features a permanent collection of over 27,000 works of art, with a focus on Canadian contemporary art, historical Canadian art, and photography. In addition to showcasing pieces from its own collection, the gallery regularly hosts travelling exhibitions, making it a dynamic hub for both regional and international art.

The Centre also emphasises art education, offering workshops, classes, and outreach programs for all ages. The MacLaren Art Centre is not only a destination for art lovers but also a venue for community gatherings, fundraising events, and art auctions, making it a central part of Barrie’s vibrant cultural landscape. For more information, you can visit Maclarenart.com.

Uptempo Dance is a popular dance studio located in Barrie, Ontario, offering a wide range of dance classes for children, teens, and adults. Known for its welcoming environment and expert instruction, Uptempo Dance provides training in various styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and acro dance. The studio prides itself on fostering both recreational and competitive dancers, with a strong focus on technique, performance skills, and personal growth.
The studio also hosts annual recitals and showcases, giving students the opportunity to perform for family, friends, and the broader Barrie community. Uptempo Dance is dedicated to creating a fun, inclusive space where students can pursue their passion for dance. For more information, visit uptempobarrie.com.

Media Contact: Downtown Barrie BIA [email protected] // 705-734-1414 // www.downtownbarrie.ca
Downtown Barrie BIA//[email protected]//downtownbarrie.ca//705-734-1414