MISSISSAUGA,ON - The Mississauga ArtsCouncil (MAC) is pleased to invite all members and the community to the official launch of the 30th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Art Gallery of Mississauga. The celebration will be combined with MAC's Annual General Meeting. Everyone is encouraged to come out, reminisce and share their experiences and anecdotes with the Mississauga Arts Council over the last 30 years!

The evening will commence with MAC's Annual General Meeting, followed by an open mic, where members are welcome to

share their experiences with MAC. Mississauga Arts Council Executive Director Linda Thomas explains, "Our AGM will be a great opportunity for our members to share stories and express their thoughts about the role MAC has played over the past 30 years." You can expect to see members who have played a significant role within the Mississauga Arts Council from its inception in 1981 to the present.

Don't miss this opportunity to schmooze and mingle with the Mississauga Arts community, enjoy wine, refreshments and wonderful company! Brace yourself for lights, camera and action as the MAC media arts group films and documents the event. The footage will be used to create an edited video montage that will be incorporated into this year's 2012 MARTY Awards in May and the Celebration Square festivities, booked for August 24th, 2012.

Lastly, the evening will also serve as an occasion for all current Mississauga Arts Council members to vote for new candidates to the Board. If you are interested, please submit a nomination and accompanying proxy form to the Arts Council office no later than March 12th, 2012 (nominations will be closed on that date). The voting for the new directors to the Board will take place on March 28th, 2012. Directors are elected for a two year term.

So mark your calendars; this is an event you will not want to miss! Please RSVP to info@mississaugaartscouncil.com or by calling 905-615-4278.The nomination and proxy forms are available at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com.The Art Gallery of Mississauga is located at 300 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C1. We hope to see you all there!

MISSISSAUGA - Mississauga Council approved recommended funding for community-based groups under the City's grant programs, allocating $407,413 for corporate grants and $1,412,907 for the cultural granting program.

"The City of Mississauga's grant programs allow us to continue to build a community that serves residents," said Paul Mitcham, commissioner, Community Services. "The City is committed to strengthening our neighbourhoods which we are able to do by supporting community-based organizations through these programs."

Corporate Grants Program

The Corporate Grants Program is coordinated by the City's Recreation and Parks Division. This year's approved funding of $407,413 will be divided among 11 groups that provide community-based programs, services and projects for Mississauga residents. The grants will be awarded to:

Riverwood Conservancy - $131,859
Riverwood Conservancy Youth Plan - $11,800
Mississauga Sports Council - $79,861
Square One Older Adult Centre - $66,393
Community Living Mississauga - $10,500
St. John Ambulance, Mississauga Branch - $7,500
Mississauga Chinese Business Association - $5,000
Volunteer Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon - $35,000
Nexus Youth Services - $35,500
Mississauga Friendship Association - $12,000
Erin Mills Youth Centre - $12,000

"Grants submissions must undergo a complete review to ensure each application meets the criteria for accountability, effectiveness, accessibility and collaboration," said Stu Taylor, acting director of Recreation & Parks. "The groups that receive funding through the grants program have sustainability and do important work in our community."

Groups approved for corporate grants in excess of $20,000 will receive 75 per cent of the grant directly following Council's approval and the remaining 25 per cent following the submission of their previous year's final financial statements. All financial statements are reviewed by the City's Finance Division.

Since 2000, the City of Mississauga has awarded almost $10 million to local community groups to assist with community-based programming.

Corporate Grants Program Contact:

Stu Taylor, acting director of Recreation & Parks 905-615-3200 ext. 4381

Arts & Culture Grant Program

The Arts & Culture Grant Program is administered by the Culture Division which, under Council direction, assumes direct responsibility for the distribution of municipal grants to arts, heritage and cultural organizations.

"The grant program offers Mississauga's arts, culture and heritage organizations support to achieve leadership stability and to reach their goals," said Susan Burt, director, Culture Division. "With grants these groups are in a better position to take advantage of creative and artistic opportunities that will further enhance their contribution to the Mississauga community."

Grants totalling $1,412,907 will be awarded to groups for long-term growth and development of arts and culture in our community. The grants will be awarded to:

Operating Grants
• Art Gallery of Mississauga - $316,000
• Chamber Music Society of Mississauga - $85,000
• Esperanza Music Project - $5,000
• Heritage Mississauga - $200,000
• Kaleidoscope Chinese Performing Arts (KCPA) - $15,000
• Living Arts Centre (LAC) - $80,000
• Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) - $239,000
• Mississauga Big Band Jazz Ensemble - $6,190
• Mississauga Children's Choir - $15,000
• Mississauga Chinese Arts Association (MCAO) - $15,000
• Mississauga Choral Society - $70,000

• Mississauga Festival Choir - $15,000

• Mississauga Festival Youth Choir - $5,000
• Mississauga Santa Claus Parade - $10,000
• Orchestras Mississauga - $100,000
• Polish Canadian Society of Music - $10,000
• Sampradaya Dance Creations - $70,000
• SAWITRI Theatre Group - $5,000
• Theatre Unlimited - $13,900
• Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM) - $110,000
• Youth Troopers for Global Awareness (YTGA) - $5,000

Project Grants

• Kaleidoscope Chinese Performing Arts (KCPA) - $5,000
• Mississauga Festival Youth Choir - $3,750
• Monstrartity - $5,000

Capital Grants

• Chamber Music Society of Mississauga - $1,067

Technical Assistance Grants

• Monstrartity - $8,000

Arts & Culture Grant Program Contact:

Yvonne Koscielak; grants officer, Culture Division: 905-615-3200 ext. 5476 grantsinfo@mississauga.ca

As Canada's sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 738,000 residents and 55,000 businesses, including 63 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is "Leading Today for Tomorrow" by focussing on delivering services, implementing its Strategic Plan, delivering value for money and maintaining infrastructure.

MISSISSAUGA,ON - The Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) announces it will extend the deadline for MARTY Award nominations until March 16, 2012. Due to the positive response from artists, MAC has decided to extend the deadline to offer more opportunities for artists to showcase their talent and be recognized by the community.

Now into its 18th year, the MARTY Awards celebrate the artistic accomplishments of established artists while encouraging and supporting rising artistic talent. Past MARTY Award recipients include internationally the celebrated singer/songwriter David Leask, writer Kathy Buckworth, Jazz legend Oscar Peterson, rock bands illScarlett and Billy Talent and many more!

MARTY AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

• Literary Arts
• Media Arts
• Performing Arts
• Performing Arts Groups
• Visual Arts

Each category will honour an emerging artist and an established artist. Winners will receive a cash prize, press coverage and recognition at the MARTYS, the arts award ceremony. Every year the MARTYS stands as the pinnacle arts event in Mississauga complete with extensive media coverage and a red carpet kick-off. This year's MARTY Award celebration will be held on May 31, 2012 at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre.

SPECIAL MARTY AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award
• People's Choice Award
• Creative Community Award

MAC is delighted to announce the second year of the Creative Community Award. Mississauga Arts Council Executive Director Linda Thomas explains, "It's an award open to any other form of artistic expression including fibre arts, spinning and weaving, jewelry, fashion arts etc. We are encouraging artists in the community to share their work and submit an application."

The council also invites the community to nominate deserving individuals for the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award. These special Awards are presented to individuals who have nurtured the development of the arts in the City of Mississauga.

Lastly, the People's Choice Award will continue in 2012. Once all of the nominations for the awards have been collected, the general public will be invited to vote for their favourite artist in the running through the Mississauga Art Council's website.

So don't hesitate! Nominate yourself or a deserving artist today! Nomination forms are available at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com. Please call 905-615-4278 for additional information. Nomination packages may be mailed, emailed, hand delivered or sent by courier to the Mississauga Arts Council office located at 300 City Centre Dr. Suite 1055, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C9. Incomplete nomination packages will not be accepted.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: March 16, 2012 at 4p.m.

ARTS AWARDS SHINE SPOTLIGHT ON PHENOMENAL ARTISTS

MISSISSAUGA, ON - The Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) is thrilled to announce it is now accepting nominations for the 2012 MARTYS Award. Talented artists are encouraged to submit nominations for the chance to win a MARTYS Award and be recognized by the community. Now into its 18th year, the MARTYS Award celebrate the artistic accomplishments of established artists while encouraging and supporting rising artistic talent. Past MARTYS Award recipients include internationally celebrated rock bands illScarlett and Billy Talent; Jazz legend, Oscar Peterson; sci-fi writer, Robert J. Sawyer; filmmaker Richie Mehta, and rocker Rik Emmett.

MARTYS AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

• Literary Arts
• Media Arts
• Performing Arts
• Performing Arts Groups
• Visual Arts

Each category will honour an emerging artist and an established artist. Winners will receive a cash prize, press coverage and recognition at the MARTYS, the Arts Award ceremony. Every year the MARTYS stands as the pinnacle arts event in Mississauga, complete with extensive media coverage and a red carpet kick-off. This year's MARTYS Award celebration will be held on Thursday May 31st, 2012 at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre.

SPECIAL MARTYS AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award
• People's Choice Award
• Creative Community Award

MAC is delighted to include their Creative Community Award, second year in the running. Mississauga Arts Council Executive Director, Linda Thomas explains, "We are opening the doors to other art forms that have not been traditionally recognized. It's an Award open to any other form of artistic expression including fibre arts, spinning and weaving, jewelery, fashion arts etc. We are encouraging artists in the community to share their work and submit an application."

The council also invites the community to nominate deserving individuals for the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award. These special Awards are presented to individuals who have nurtured the development of the arts in the City of Mississauga.

Lastly, the People's Choice Award will continue in 2012. Once all of the nominations for the Awards have been collected, the general public will be invited to vote for their favourite artist in the running through the Mississauga Arts Council's website.

So don't hesitate! Nominate yourself or a deserving artist today! Nomination forms are available at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com. Please call 905-615-4278 for additional information. Nomination packages may be mailed, hand delivered or sent by courier to the Mississauga Arts Council office located at 300 City Centre Dr. Suite 1055, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C9. Emailed, faxed or incomplete nomination packages will not be accepted.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: March 9, 2012 at 4p.m.

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Mississauga's top rising star artists have assembled to create the Limelight Association of Young Artists. As part of the Mississauga Arts Council, Limelight's mission is to connect aspiring young artists and provide them with the support, recognition and opportunities required for them to thrive.

All are welcome to the Official Launch Party and Open Mic to be held on January 27, 2012 at the Maja Prentice Theatre located at 3650 Dixie Rd. in Mississauga. The event will begin at 7 p.m. with an introduction by MARTY award-winning filmmaker and chair of Limelight, Jeffrey W. Pike. Arts lovers are welcome to attend the free event and enjoy a diverse array of performances including spoken-word, live music, dance, media and visual art. The event will be hosted by members of the Limelight Association of Young Artists including Hip-Hop artist Nehemiah Flow and spoken word poet/actor/graphic designer Jay T. Presented by the Mississauga Arts Council in partnership with the Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre, the event promises to be an exciting event showcasing the talents of Mississauga's culturally rich and diverse arts community.

The launch of Limelight will also be coupled with a clothing drive. Used sweaters, toques, gloves and other winter clothing are welcomed for donation. Donations will be handed out to the less fortunate to help them stay warm this winter. All donations must be pre-washed and will be accepted at the Limelight Official Launch Party and Open Mic.

2012 promises to be a big year for the Limelight Association of Young Artists. After receiving funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2011 for its vision to reignite, inspire and build its youth program and youth contingent of the council, MAC is thrilled to offer a slew of creative programs tailored to youth. The funding has enabled MAC to offer a wide range of opportunities to youth in Mississauga to explore and develop their artistic creativity. In the upcoming months Limelight will introduce new programs including the Mississauga Youth Writers Guild, traveling Open Mic Nights, workshops, a mentorship and volunteer program and more! Limelight will also work together with neighbouring organizations to present the Mississauga Future Star Competition and Matlon's Got Talent.

Chairman Jeffrey W. Pike is very optimistic about Limelight committee's initiatives for 2012. "It's an exciting time for Mississauga. As the city grows rapidly, so does out arts community. Mississauga is a melting pot of international talent, each with its own flavor. It's important that our youth artists have places to practice their craft and venues to showcase their talents. That's why our committee is so important. We are artists helping artists."

Limelight Association of Young Artists is open to individuals under the age of 30. Artists may join by becoming a member of the Mississauga Arts Council for an annual fee of $10. Please call the Mississauga Arts Council at 905-615-4278 or visit www.mississaugaartscouncil.com for further details.

MISSISSAUGA, ON - In only three days, the arts community will gather to celebrate the hottest evening for the arts at MAC's ARTBEATS Gala. Tickets are going fast for the event taking place at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 14^th at the Red Rose Convention Centre, located at 1233 Derry Road, East. An incredible evening fusing arts of all disciplines, ARTBEATS will feature a succulent variety of cuisine, a live and silent auction and incredible performances by tenor Michael Ciufo, opera-pop group Naria and CanAfric Theatre. Tickets are $125/individual or $200/couple and can be purchased by calling 905-615-4278. All proceeds from MAC's ARTBEATS fundraiser will help to raise funds to support Mississauga's growing arts community.

The Mississauga Arts Council is excited to showcase this year's performers. ARTBEATS will feature Canadian tenor Michael Ciufo who will dazzle the audience as he performs songs from his new album "Momento." Known for his stage presence, charisma, and gorgeous, classically trained voice, Michael is one of Mississauga's most promising talents. ARTBEATS will also feature a performance by Opera Pop girl group Naria featuring singers Katya, Annaliese, Michelle and Anna; four brilliant voices whose vocal prowess and original choreographed compositions feature Opera, Pop, Techno and World music with classical high notes. Lastly, the exotic rhythm, beats and original choreography of Afro-Canadian group CanAfric Theatre will close the show with a bang (literally!).

Art collectors will have a prime opportunity to acquire priceless pieces at the event. ARTBEATS will spotlight a diverse collection of original artworks and unique items at its live and silent auctions. There will be original works by respected artists Sonja Hidas, Peter Mulcair, Robin Hollingdrake, Asma Arshad Mahmood, Tina Newlove and many more! Other luxurious silent auction items include unique South Asian fashions, a wine tasting with a professional sommelier, tickets to live theatre across the City of Mississauga and so much more!

If you are unable to attend the event, please consider donating to the Mississauga Arts Council. Call the office at 905-615-4278 to donate. Visit us online at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com.

More on the Mississauga Arts Council: The Mississauga Arts Council, established in 1981 by City Resolution, is a not-for-profit membership based registered charity governed by a board of directors. MAC supports and promotes the activities of over 180 arts organizations and over 600 individual artists, representing more than 24,000 people. Please visit www.mississaugaartscouncil.com for additional information.

The City of Mississauga is now accepting applications from community-based groups and organizations for 2012 financial support, through its various granting programs: the City's Arts and Culture Grant Program for local arts, heritage and culture organizations and the Corporate Grant Program for local community groups.

City of Mississauga Grant Programs

The City of Mississauga provides financial support to a range of community based groups and organizations through the following granting programs:

• Arts and Culture Grant Program for local arts, culture and heritage groups in the form of: Operating, Project, Capital and Technical Assistance Grants
• Corporate Grant Program for non-arts/cultural community groups

How to Apply for Arts and Culture Grants

For more information on the Arts and Culture Grant Program, contact 905-615-3200 ext. 5476 or email grantsinfo@mississauga.ca. Application forms and guidelines for the 2012 Arts and Culture Grant program are available at: www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/grantinformation. The deadline for submission for the 2012 Arts and Culture Grant Program is Thursday, October 13, 2011 by 4 p.m. Applications should be submitted directly to the Culture Division, Central Library, 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd West, 4th Floor, Mississauga, ON, L5B 3Y3.

How to Apply for Corporate Grants

For more information, guidelines, and application forms for the 2012 City of Mississauga Corporate Grants Program, please contact Iris Radosevic 905-615-3200 ext. 5322 or email
iris.radosevic@mississauga.ca. The deadline for submission for the 2012 City of Mississauga Corporate Grants Program is Thursday, October 13, 2011 by 4 p.m. Submit applications directly to the Recreation and Parks Division, 201 City Centre Drive, 9th Floor, Mississauga, ON, L5B 3C1.

Celebrate an extraordinary evening of arts and culture at the Mississauga Art Council’s ARTBEATS Gala on October 14. Tickets are now on sale for this sensational event featuring culinary delights, a red-carpet kick-off, entertainment, atmosphere, fine art and so much more! Enjoy performances by Mississauga's Star Tenor Michael Ciufo, Opera Pop Super Group Naria and CanAfric Theatre. The mission of ARTBEATS is to raise funds to support the work of the Mississauga Arts Council. ARTBEATS will begin at 6 p.m. at the Red Rose Convention Centre located at 1233 Derry Rd. E. Tickets are $125 or two for $200. Please call 905-615-4278 for additional details. www.mississaugaartscouncil.com

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Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of tap dance at its best! On October 15 and 16, Mississauga’s professional tap company What's On TAP?! is proud to present the Eastern Canadian Tap Conference. This popular event includes an incredible show featuring the professional What's On TAP?! company on October 15 at 7:30 p.m. followed by a day filled with workshops on October 16. The event will take place at the Living Arts Centre located at 4141 Living Arts Dr. Tickets are $29 to $35. Please visit www.whats-on-tap.com to register today! www.livingartscentre.com

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The world renowned Sampradaya Dance Creations, Mississauga’s premiere South Asian Dance Troupe, is set to dazzle audiences as it performs on October 12 at the Markham Theatre. Sampradaya proudly presents the world renowned Kalakshetra Repertory dance ensemble, directed by Padmashri Leela Samson. The show will begin at 8 p.m. at the Markham Theatre located at 171 Town Centre Boulevard. Following this performance, on October 14, Sampradaya will take center stage at the 10th Anniversary of the Trillium Health Centre Foundation's Diwali Fundraiser. Please visit www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org for more details. www.sampradaya.ca

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Explore the stunning creative works by rising Canadian textile artist Pat Hertzberg. On September 27, Heritage Mississauga is delighted to present Pat’s original works in a new show, Out of the Woods at The Grange. This exciting new exhibit of contemporary work contains a number of unique fiber and mixed-media pieces for both show and sale. The Grange (also known as Heritage Mississauga), is located at 1921 Dundas St. W. For additional details please call 905-828-8411 ext. 29. www.heritagemississauga.com

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Discover the natural beauty of Mexico with a fascinating travelogue presented by the Rotary Clubs of Mississauga West on October 13. The great country of Mexico has so much to offer that one could easily spend a lifetime traveling there and still not see it all. In the film, producers Fran and Brooke Reidelberger focus their research and cameras on some very popular destinations. The event will begin with a musical pre-show at 7:15 p.m. followed by the feature presentation at 8 p.m. at Port Credit Secondary School. Tickets are $2 to $12. Please call 905-822-5621 for further details. www.rotarylakeshore.org OR www.rotary7080.org/mississaugawest

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Callling all gardeners! Get inspired at the Applewood Garden Club of Mississauga’s Q & A with expert gardener David Tarrant. The event will take place on October 14 at the Noel Ryan Auditorium. The event titled Magnificent Abundance: the Gardens and Wildflowers of San Miguel de Allende, explores the gorgeous flowers from this colonial town. Let David take you on a tour of the choicest blooms and the town's most magnificent gardens, including his own garden and the home of Toller Cranston. David was the host of the popular CBC television show 'The Canadian Gardener' and in 2004 David hosted `Spring` a gardening series which aired on HGTV. The Noel Ryan Auditorium is located at 301 Burnhamthorpe R. W. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by calling 905-891-7884. www.applewoodgardenclub.org

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Local artist Freda Wrench is pleased to present a new exhibit of her original art works in her new show Down To Earth on display from October 7 to November 8. The new show features paintings which are an expression of Freda's concern for our natural environment. By incorporating the human figure and the use of symbolism she hopes to convey the interconnectedness of mankind and nature. All are welcome to the opening reception to be held on October 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The show will be featured at the Dam Gallery in the Alton Mill located at 1402 Queen St. in Alton, Caledon. Please call 905-880-2972 for more details.

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Invigorate your mind with the launch of the Heritage Speaker Series 2011 on October 6 at 7 p.m. The featured topic of the event is The War of 1812: Why Canada is not a U.S. State featuring Professor Ken Weber. The story of 1812 is one of myth, mix ups and bravery. Who won this war? Everybody or nobody? This war shaped forever the way Canada and the United States relate to each other. For Canada this conflict was the first important step in becoming a very distinct nation. Join us for this lively talk about a war that began to define this country! The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Maja Prentice Theatre located at 3650 Dixie Rd. Please call 905-615-4860 x 2113 for more details. www.visualartsmississauga.com

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Do your little ones love to dance? Encourage your child’s love of dance with Musical Theatre classes offerred by ThrivePAC. This course teaches the basics of musical theatre through singing, dancing, acting and mini-performance workshops in a friendly environment. Parents are invited to watch the kids perform at the end of the last class. Classes run from October 13 to November 28 for ages 8 to 17 at the Grace Centre located at 6670 Campobello Rd. Please call 416-418-5480 for more details. www.thrivepac.com or info@thrivepac.com

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Calling all gardeners! Spark your passion for gardening on October 12 at the Credit Valley Horticultural Society’s next meeting beginning at 8 p.m. The event will feature Frank Ferragine or 'Frankie Flowers' from CityTV’s Breakfast Television. Come to this event and hear Frank speak on the topic of ‘Falling into Gardening.’ The South Common Community Centre is located at 2233 South Millway. Please call 905-828-4634 for more details.

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On the visual arts trail? Explore new works of art on display at the Art Gallery of Mississauga. Running until November 6, all are welcome to come and explore the new exhibit, The Urban/Rural Divide featuring works from the Gallery’s Permanent Collection. The Art Gallery is located at 300 City Centre Dr. Admission is free, please call 905-896-5088 for details. Over at Visual Arts Mississauga, a stunning new show featuring works by artist Rekha Pevekar are on display from October 4 to 15. Visual Arts Mississauga is located at 4170 Riverwood Park Lane. Please call 905-277-8256 for more details. www.visualartsmississauga.com www.artgalleryofmississauga.com

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