History of The Drift

Formed in 2004, the Main Art Drift Society organizes the annual Drift event to help promote local artists and artisans. The Society supports local art in other ways as well, by providing an environment for artists to get together and share knowledge, and by offering opportunities for artistic and professional growth.

Mission of The Drift

To increase public awareness of the vibrant and diverse arts and culture community around Main Street; and to strengthen ties among local artists, and between the local arts and business communities.

COMMUNITY BUILDING
The Drift strengthens the cultural fabric of the community by celebrating and cultivating the unique character, diversity and ethos of Main Street; one of the city’s most precious cultural resources – a natural habitat for individual artists, not-for-profit arts organizations, artist run centres as well as a dynamic range of creative enterprises and enterprising creatives who live, work and play in the neighbourhood. 

The annual Drift Art Festival includes a wide range of arts and community-based events that occur in galleries, businesses, restaurants, cafes, community organizations and public spaces along Main Street from Industrial to 33rd. The dynamism of the Drift festival attracts visitors that are economically and culturally diverse; children, youth, adults and seniors; local, regional and international visitors; business owners and patrons; cultural producers as well as cultural consumers.