By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
The Town of Milton, in partnership with Arts Milton, has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading communities for arts and culture, earning a spot on Culture Days’ Top Participating Communities list for 2025.
Culture Days, a national initiative that celebrates arts, culture, and creativity across the country, highlights communities that demonstrate strong engagement and participation in local cultural activities. In the 2025 rankings, Milton placed fifth overall in Canada and second among mid-sized cities, reflecting the community’s growing involvement in arts and cultural programs.
In addition to the overall community rankings, Milton was also recognized for its collaborative programming. Threads of Tradition: Introduction to Phulkari Embroidery received the Best Collaborative Program award. This hands-on cultural learning experience was led by artist Rafia Shafiq and organized collaboratively by multiple municipalities and cultural organizations, including the Town of Milton, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Oakville, the City of Burlington, the Art Gallery of Burlington, and Halton Region Heritage Services.
The recognition underscores the Town of Milton’s commitment to fostering arts and culture and highlights the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful cultural experiences. Through ongoing collaboration with Arts Milton, the town continues to strengthen its creative sector by offering programs that encourage participation, learning, and engagement from residents across all ages.
Arts Milton, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 with a Year of Collaborations theme, has played a key role in supporting community involvement and encouraging shared leadership in cultural programming. The initiative demonstrates how municipalities and arts organizations can work together to offer accessible and inclusive cultural opportunities.
Residents interested in exploring arts and culture in Milton are encouraged to take part in upcoming winter programming at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton. Program details and registration information are available on the centre’s website, firstontarioartscentremilton.ca. The programs continue to offer opportunities for engagement in the arts while fostering a sense of connection and creativity within the community.
This recognition by Culture Days highlights Milton’s ongoing dedication to arts and culture and positions the town as a leader in community participation and creative programming on the national stage.
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