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The City of Orillia proudly celebrates Culture Days, a Canada-wide initiative designed to inspire public participation in arts and culture. This celebration invites the community to appreciate and engage with arts and culture both locally and nationwide. The Culture Days organization supports a Canada-wide network of arts, culture, and heritage organizers to facilitate free public events in their communities every year.
Culture Days 2025: The Storytelling Slam Night
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 | 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. | Creative Nomad Studios
Join us for Culture Days 2025 with an unforgettable evening of storytelling through voice, music, and visual expression. The Storytelling Slam Night invites the community to share and connect through personal stories that reflect our lived experiences.
Arrive at 6:00 p.m. to enjoy light refreshments and share Strawberry Juice & Cedar Tea with the Orillia Native Women’s Group while learning a few words in Anishinaabemowin. Explore creativity hands-on in Arts Orillia’s Creative Youth Lab, and view powerful visual storytelling through an exhibition presented by North Simcoe Arts.
At 6:30 p.m., the stage comes alive with performances from Ty the Poetess and LifteD, the Orillia & Area Black Community Association, and a special sneak peek from Mariposa Arts Theatre’s (MAT) production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The evening will also feature a pre-registered storytelling showcase and an open mic segment, offering space for those who wish to prepare in advance as well as those who feel called to share impromptu after hearing others’ stories. Guests can also enter a draw to win two tickets to MAT’s Jesus Christ Superstar and $100 Downtown Dollars.
Whether you listen, create, or speak, Storytelling Slam Night promises to inspire, and bring us closer together as a community. Free and open to all, this event is presented in partnership with the City of Orillia, Arts Orillia, Mariposa Arts Theatre, North Simcoe Arts, the Orillia & Area Black Community Association and the Orillia Native Women’s Group. You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind evening of culture and connection—be sure to mark your calendars!
| Call to Artists |
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We’re seeking visual artists to showcase work that tells a story. As part of our upcoming Culture Days Storytelling Slam Night, we're inviting submissions of visual art that explore storytelling through any visual discipline—real or imagined, abstract or representational, personal or cultural. Space is limited and therefore has a limit to the number of pieces in the exhibit. We will be accepting submissions in the order in which we receive your information, until we reach capacity. This is not a juried show. Submission Guidelines:
Please include with your submission:
Deadline to Submit: September 24, 2025 Submit your piece here: We can’t wait to see the stories you’ll share through art! |
| Call to Storytellers |
| Share Your Story at Storytelling Slam Night! As part of Culture Days 2025, we’re inviting community members to take the stage and share their voice at Storytelling Slam Night. This unique event brings together spoken word, music, and visual art in a celebration of lived experiences and creative expression. Sign up in advance to secure a spot in the scheduled storytelling segment and share a personal story, spoken word piece, or performance that reflects the richness of our diverse community. Space is limited and registration is on a first come first serve basis. Register below to reserve your spot. Prefer to speak in the moment? An open mic portion will follow, giving anyone inspired during the evening the chance to step up and share their story on the spot. |
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
|
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM |
Orillia Native Women's Group
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6:00 PM - 8:30 PM |
North Simcoe Arts |
| 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM |
Arts Orillia Creative Youth Lab |
| 6:30 PM - 6:45 PM | Performance from Ty the Poetess and LifteD |
| 6:50 PM - 7:05 PM | Orillia & Area Black Community Association |
| 7:10 PM - 7:25 PM | Mariposa Arts Theatre Sneak Peek - Jesus Christ Superstar |
| 7:30 PM - 7:40 PM | Arts Orillia Photograph Presentation |
| 7:40 PM - 7:45 PM | Preregistered Storyteller 1 |
| 7:45 PM - 7:50 PM | Preregistered Storyteller 2 |
| 7:50 PM - 7:55 PM | Preregistered Storyteller 3 |
| 7:55 PM - 8:00 PM | Preregistered Storyteller 4 |
| 8:00 PM - 8:05 PM | Preregistered Storyteller 5 |
| 8:05 PM - 8:10 PM | Preregistered Storyteller 6 |
| 8:10 PM - 8:15 PM | Preregistered Storyteller 7 |
| 8:15 PM - 8:30 PM | Open Mic (3 spots at 5 minutes each) |
| Previous Programming: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024:In 2024, the City of Orillia partnered with local art and culture organizations to deliver a comprehensive lineup of cultural programming for both residents and visitors alike. The City's Culture Days event took place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Orillia Recreation Centre outdoor courtyard from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
2024 PartnersCulture Days in Orillia wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our arts and culture sector. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners for their passion and commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural community. Arts Orillia |
To see more about Culture Days, be sure to follow @orilliarecreationandculture on Instagram and Facebook
