Burro’d Theatre has received support from the Canada Council for the Arts for The Burros: A Strategic Analysis of Affordable, Artist-Led Venue Models, aimed at developing a bold new solution to Canada’s performing arts infrastructure crisis.

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We have heard, and experienced it ourselves, over and over again: The art exists. The artists want to create and perform. But, there is no where to do it. In regional communities like Barrie and Simcoe County, full performance venues are either few and far between, or priced out of the reach of emerging or independent artists.

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'The Burros' will explore a potentially transformative concept: a standardized network of intimate, performance venues in empty storefronts - designed to be affordable, replicable, and sustainable - in mid-sized and underserved communities.

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This project's focus will be on building an innovative infrastructure that facilitates touring, provides accessible pricing, maintains high occupancy rates, and helps reinvigorate downtown areas. 'The Burros' would provide musicians, comedians, drag artists, burlesque performers, theatre creators, and more across the province with the foundation to do more than just try to break even with the venue rental costs.

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Led by Marissa Caldwell and Iain Moggach, Burro’d Theatre will conduct sector consultation, financial modelling, operational research, and partnership development to create a detailed roadmap for a new kind of cultural infrastructure.

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Beginning in June 2026 and running through to the end of September 2027, work on Phase One is already underway, and will culminate in The Burros Business Plan 2030: a comprehensive plan outlining governance, financial, operational, and partnership models for future venue development.

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In other words, we are now in the earliest research stages to further confirm these needs, wants, and areas ripe for innovation. Phase One will be interviews, conversations, and data-gathering. Phase Two will be a refreshed and cemented business plan and mission.

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The Burros are just getting started.

 

Stay tuned for updates!