Brampton recognizes the important role culture plays in the economic prosperity and social vitality of any city, and is building on the strength of its cultural entrepreneurs.
Talented and entrepreneurial, 25 year old Brampton poet Rupi Kaur has redefined the image of the modern poet by breaking into the mainstream and making poetry relevant again. Since its release in 2014, her first book, Milk and Honey, has sold 2.5 million copies world-wide, and spent 75 weeks on the New York Times Trade Paperback Best- Seller Light.
Ms. Kaur has disrupted the publishing world along the way. Her literary career began on social media, first through Tumblr and then through Instagram, where she has accumulated
1.8 million followers. The popularity of her “Instapoems” led her to publish a collection of works. Again, she skipped traditional routes in favour of self-publishing through Amazon’s Createspace platform. This gave Ms. Kaur complete creative control over every aspect of the illustrated book.
Ms. Kaur has also refused to limit herself to poetry and publishing. In addition to being a writer, Ms. Kaur travels the world as a performer and speaker. She is a photographer and an art director. She has started her first novel and has said that she looks forward to delving into music, screenwriting, and film.
Supporting Entrepreneurs in the Cultural and Creative Industries
The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) is working to refine existing programming to target the specialized needs of creative entrepreneurs, offering industry specific insight into how to access funding and business opportunities. The grant programs, training and mentoring opportunities help artists and creatives understand business fundamentals, and how to set themselves up for success. Independent artists in Brampton are consistently putting together incredible work, and Brampton supports them through developing their business skills.
Rachel Chen – Owner of The Projects Dance Studio and Summer Company 2017 Alumni
My personal objectives when entering Summer Company were: 1) gain experience 2) build myself up as a person and 3) gain connections with others. I accomplished all of my goals – I gained real work experience (working for myself), and I had the opportunity to use the concepts I study at school and with the BEC to make money from what I’m really passionate about. It’s hard work but it’s fun because I get to see people dance and to see the impact my company makes on others. It gives people a place to explore their creativity and share their talent.
Vijai Kumar – Co-Founder of Brampton Says, and Summer Company 2017 Alumni
Vijai started Brampton Says as an online platform to highlight creative talent in Brampton. Through creative interviews and documentary videos, they’ve profiled the likes of 4YallEntertainment and MMVA winners YouTwo TV. They have hosted some of the City of Brampton’s most anticipated events and concerts. Brampton Says built their long term vision through Summer Company, look forward to supporting Brampton’s creative community, providing a platform to share their talent.
INspired Culture Master Plan
We are a city that is young and diverse, full of talent, passion and creativity. The City of Brampton Culture Master Plan will be a community-driven vision for arts and culture that will guide municipal cultural services and investment for the next 10 years. Stay informed about project progress via a new monthly email update, engagement opportunities in the first quarter of 2018, and when the final plan is ready to be launched. We invite you to be part of the Culture Master Plan. For more information, visit brampton.ca/culturemasterplan
You can find out more about Summer Company and other grant programs by contacting the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre at brampton.ca/bec
