Top Arts organizations in Barrie, Canada

A wonderful space and team devoted to supporting local arts and artists.

I would like to share my impression of the exhibition at Maclaren art center in Barrie - Winter 2024.
Degradation of society - this is how the exhibition can be called.
How can you even call this art? The only thing you can look at is Labors of love, and even then many questions arise for the authors.

Overall, where is the understanding of beauty and harmony? Are they really taking us for idiots and calling this art?

I may apologize for such a harsh response but I was insulted. No offense.

Today I learned about the Canadian musician program through my friend, Melle, who was in your Emerging Artist Program. I just wanted to express my gratitude for the recognition of the First Nation peoples throughout Canada and having it a standard to learn about different treaties and cultures. Not many organizations have this apart of their process so I wanted to acknowledge the amazing work your organization does, not only with the people you work with, but also the consideration given to other cultures and the history of our land. As a First Nation I am beyond thrilled to see this kind of progress in organizations and thank you for all the work you do.

The Courtyard at the MacLaren is such a beautiful place to host your wedding ceremony! The natural lighting coming in paired with the way you can set it up is great! The staff at the Mac is also amazing and provided perfect service at the wedding I officiated for Joyful Receptions this summer!

An absolutely blissful place to be when you want to get away from everyone and everything noise. Here you can be with your thoughts and feel the energy and vibrations from all the exceptional artists.
Then you can enjoy lovely refreshements and healthy food in the Laxy Tulip Cafe located in the same building. I LOVE it there.

After reading positive reviews about the co-op, my expectations were high as I started my summer contract. I'm happy to report that the Canadian Musicians Cooperative no only met but exceeded my expectations! This is a highly professional and deeply caring organization which is committed to helping young artists succeed. I learned so much about the industry during my work term this summer and had the opportunity to develop many transferable skills. I cannot say enough about this organization and the people involved.

I have been part of the Emerging Musicians program since 2017 and it is a lovely program. They provide so many opportunities for young musicians and are so kind and helpful people. Val and Tori are amazing and everyone else who has been hired in the past and present are always such lovely people.

I tried to apply for a job posted on their website, sent an email with resume and cover letter, went in person also and left a resume. I also called their hiring department and left a message and after 3 months no one even returned my phone call. Their employee at the front desk told me the job posting has been there for more than a year. Maybe they should remove it so people don't waste their time applying or showing up in person. If a manager had at least responded to my messages that would've been respectful considering this isn't a regular grocery store or coffee shop.

Lovely staff. Great art programs downtown and will offer art programs at other locations. Very accomodating. The actively support and offer creative opportunities to youth who may not be able to pay for programs. 💚🌞

We were married here in July 2023. The venue is absolutely gorgeous and doesn't need much in terms of decor. We had a blast! I highly recommend a wedding coordinator because the MacLaren is not a full-service wedding venue; you need to be on top of the planning and coordination yourself, and logistically there are a lot of moving parts on the wedding day. We hired Shannon Hirlehey of All Things Love Events and she was excellent. We were totally able to relax and enjoy the day since everything was under control. I highly recommend getting married at the MacLaren!

Awesome gallery, lots of variety. Staff is friendly.

We checked this small studio out on a Saturday morning. The ladies at the front desk were super friendly and helpful. If you live in the area it is well worth the visit. There was a juried art show for grade 12 students of simcoe County. The participants art work was awesome and interesting. Thank you for a fine visit and your welcoming staff.

It's always an amazing place to visit and I usually have the gallery to myself new highlights every few months. This visit they gave free tea and Art exhibition books that are perfect for a coffee table.

The people that work here are kind and fun loving. The staff has a wacky sense of humour and you get to take on projects that most places wouldn't assign to young workers.

OMCI helped me in so many ways! I was a part of the Summer Emerging Artist Program, and I was taught how to professionally develop my music career. I made a website, learned about grant writing, how to market my artistry, and even attended things like vocal workshops. I was always learning something. Even after the program, as a member there are still so many people and resources available to me as I start my professional career.

OMCI is an incredible not for profit who has fostered so many incredible opportunities for young artists and management workers alike to grow and learn new skills! I have experienced first hand how amazing their programs are, between the emerging artists program in the summer and the No More Starving Artists program, I can't wait to see how this relatively young organization continues to grow and thrive to support the community.

As a Wedding Vendor - DJ MasterMix we have to say this is an amazing and Beautiful venue that you are your guests can celebrate in your wedding or any celebration. We cant wait to be back celebrating in another wedding here. Staff are also so great to work with.

Such an amazing place. The quality of the exhibits is usually amazing. I enjoy that the curator has a modern, somewhat-conceptual lean. It's a great place for a coffee after you check out the gallery, or just as a break from the downtown area.