Every month, kawarthaNOW is the only local media source to bring you a list of what’s coming to Netflix Canada.

In October, Netflix is promising “Netflix & Chills” with a series of horror-related original series and films. This includes The Haunting of Bly Manor, a sequel to 2018’s The Haunting of Hill House.

Loosely based on the 1898 horror novella The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, the series tells the story of a young American nanny (Victoria Pedretti) in the 1980s who is hired by a man (Henry Thomas) to look after his orphaned niece and nephew (Amelie Bea Smith, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) at the family manor in the English countryside, where things get creepy. Described as a “chilling gothic romance”, the series premieres on October 9th.

VIDEO: “The Haunting of Bly Manor” official trailer

Other original series in the same vein include Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood (Oct. 1), To the Lake (Oct. 7), and La Révolution (Oct. 16).

For families, there’s the Netflix original comedy-horror film Hubie Halloween, arriving on Netflix on October 7th. It stars Adam Sandler as an eccentric and much-mocked resident of Salem, Massachusetts who becomes an unlikely hero when people start disappearing. Other Halloween-related Netflix films include The Binding and Vampires vs. the Bronx (both on Oct. 2), A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting (Oct. 15), Rebecca (Oct. 21), Cadaver (Oct. 21), Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight (Oct. 28), and The Day of the Lord and His House (both on Oct. 30).

Outside of the horror genre, other Netflix original series include Emily in Paris and Song Exploder (both on Oct. 2), Deaf U (Oct. 9), Social Distance (Oct. 15), Dream Home Makeover and Grand Army (both on Oct. 16), The Alienist: Angel of Darkness (Oct. 22), Barbarians and The Queen’s Gambit (both on Oct. 23). Other Netflix original films include Serious Men (Oct. 2), The Forty-Year-Old Version and Ginny Weds Sunny (both on Oct. 9), The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Oct. 16), Over the Moon (Oct. 23), Holidate (Oct. 28), and Bronx (Oct. 30).

Returning original series include season three of Carmen Sandiego and season four of The Worst Witch (Oct. 1), season three of Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (Oct. 12), volume two of Unsolved Mysteries (Oct. 19), and season three of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman (Oct. 21), featuring interviews with Robert Downey Jr., Dave Chappelle, Kim Kardashian, and more.

There’a also season four of Somebody Feed Phil and season three of Suburra (both on Oct. 30). Other returning series include season seven of The 100 and season four of Kim’s Convenience (both on Oct. 1), and season six of the Emmy award-winning Schitt’s Creek (Oct. 7).

New theatrically released films include Beirut, BlacKkKlansman, Boogie Nights, Christine, Easy Rider, Pacific Rim, Starship Troopers, The Silence of the Lambs, the Insidious franchise, The Wizard of Oz, and V for Vendetta (all on Oct. 1), Truth or Dare (Oct. 3), Thor: The Dark World (Oct. 5), 12 Monkeys, Billy Elliot, Happy Gilmore, Knocked Up, and Kindergarten Cop (all on Oct. 7), and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (Oct. 13).

VIDEO: New to Netflix Canada in October 2020

Here’s the complete list of everything coming to Netflix Canada in October along with what’s leaving.

Coming in October (no release date specified)

• Arashi’s Diary – Voyage – Episode 13 (Netflix documentary) – Following a performance to celebrate the enthronement of the new emperor, Arashi members head to Jakarta, where they kick off their “Jet Storm” tour to meet their fans in Asia.
• Arashi’s Diary – Voyage – Episode 14 (Netflix documentary) – The members express their appreciation to the fans as they prepare for the 50th and final performance of the 5×20 tour.
• Brave Blue World
• Start-Up (Netflix original) – Young entrepreneurs aspiring to launch virtual dreams into reality compete for success and love in the cutthroat world of Korea’s high-tech industry.

Thursday, October 1

• Bom Dia, Verônica / Good Morning, Verônica (Netflix original) – While hunting for a dating-site predator, an underused police clerk discovers an abused wife with a horrific secret — and a web of conspiracy hiding it.
• Carmen Sandiego: Season 3 (Netflix family) – Carmen and her crew touch down in Mexico City, New Orleans, Venice and more on their quest to stay one step ahead of V.I.L.E.
• Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood (Netflix original) – 1900: A rich newcomer with a shady past arrives in Munich determined to crash the local Oktoberfest with his own brewery. But when his daughter falls in love with the heir to a rival brewery, a violent chain of events is unleashed that will threaten both families’ futures.
• Pasal Kau / All Because of You (Netflix film) – After falling for a guest, an unsuspecting hotel staff becomes embroiled in a hostage scheme and discovers true love in an unlikely place.
• The Worst Witch: Season 4 (Netflix family) – A series of challenges push Mildred and Ethel’s magical powers to the limit as they compete for the honor of being named Head Girl.
• A.M.I.
• Beirut
• BlacKkKlansman
• Boogie Nights
• Christine
• Code Lyoko: Seasons 1-4
• Creeped Out: Season 2
• Easy Rider
• Footloose (2011)
• Insidious
• Insidious: Chapter 2
• Insidious: Chapter 3
• Kick-Ass
• Kim’s Convenience: Season 4
• Never Back Down
• Pacific Rim
• PAW Patrol: Season 7
• Riddick
• Rudy
• Scooby-Doo
• Starship Troopers
• Sword Art Online: Alicization
• The 100: Season 7
• The Silence of the Lambs
• The Switch
• The To Do List
• The Wizard of Oz
• Unfriended: Dark Web
• V for Vendetta
• Valkyrie

Friday, October 2

• A Go! Go! Cory Carson Halloween (Netflix family) – Cory, Chrissy and Freddie are on the hunt for king-sized candy bars this Halloween! But are all the treats worth the trek to the spooky side of town?
• Ahí te encargo / You’ve Got This (Netflix film) – An ad creative and a successful executive have a great marriage — until he wants to be a dad just as her star is rising. Then he brings someone new home.
• The Binding (Netflix film) – While visiting her fiancé’s mother in southern Italy, a woman must fight the mysterious and malevolent curse intent on claiming her daughter.
• Dick Johnson Is Dead (Netflix documentary) – While a lifetime of making documentaries has convinced her of the power of true stories, Kirsten Johnson is ready to use every escapist movie-making trick in the book if it will help her 86-year-old psychiatrist father elude death.
• Emily In Paris (Netflix original) – Emily, an ambitious twenty-something marketing executive from Chicago, unexpectedly lands her dream job in Paris. Her new life is filled with intoxicating adventures and surprising challenges as she juggles work, friendships, and romance.
• Òlòturé (Netflix film) – A young, naive female journalist goes undercover to expose the shady business of human trafficking in Nigeria and encounters a brutal underworld.
• Serious Men (Netflix film) – When a slum dweller spins a web of lies in pursuit of the upward mobility he has long craved, his ruse could be especially dangerous for his young son.
• Song Exploder (Netflix original) – Based on the acclaimed podcast of the same name, and from host Hrishikesh Hirway and Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, each episode of Song Exploder features some of the world’s greatest musicians as they reveal how they brought one of their songs to life. The series weaves together in-depth interviews, archival footage, and raw recordings as each artist breaks down their song, layer by layer, sharing intimate insight into the personal inspiration behind the music and lyrics. Featured artists include 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Alicia Keys, who breaks down “3 Hour Drive” from her 2020 album Alicia; Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, who delves into the creation of “Wait for It” from the musical phenomenon Hamilton; Rock & Roll Hall of Famers R.E.M. who open up about the influences behind the life-changing track “Losing My Religion”; and Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Ty Dolla $ign who discusses the inspiration behind “LA,” the deeply personal opening track from his gold-certified major label debut album Free TC.
• Vampires vs. the Bronx (Netflix film) – A group of young friends from the Bronx fight to save their neighborhood from a band of vampires.

Saturday, October 3

• Truth or Dare

Sunday, October 4

• David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (Netflix documentary) – A broadcaster recounts his life, and the evolutionary history of life on Earth, to grieve the loss of wild places and offer a vision for the future.

Monday, October 5

• Thor: The Dark World

Tuesday, October 6

• StarBeam: Halloween Hero (Netflix family) – Greedy Captain Fishbeard is stealing everybody’s Halloween treats for himself, but StarBeam and Boost have some tricks up their sleeves to save the day!

Wednesday, October 7

• Hubie Halloween (Netflix film) – Hubie Dubois (Adam Sandler) thanklessly spends every Halloween making sure the residents of his hometown, Salem, celebrate safely and play by the rules. But this year, an escaped criminal and a mysterious new neighbor have Hubie on high alert. When people start disappearing, it’s up to Hubie to convince the police (Kevin James, Kenan Thompson) and townsfolk that the monsters are real, and only he can stop them. Hubie Halloween is a hilarious family film about an unlikely hero with an all-star cast including Julie Bowen, Ray Liotta, Noah Schnapp, Steve Buscemi and Maya Rudolph, produced by Happy Madison.
• To the Lake (Netflix original) – Facing the end of civilization when a terrifying plague strikes, a group risks their lives, loves — and humanity — in a brutal struggle to survive.
• 12 Monkeys
• Billy Elliot
• Elizabeth: The Golden Age
• Funny People
• Happy Gilmore
• The Jackal
• Kick-Ass 2
• Kindergarten Cop
• Knocked Up
• Les Misérables
• Schitt’s Creek: Season 6

Friday, October 9

• Deaf U (Netflix original) – In this docuseries, a tight-knit group of deaf students share their stories and explore the perks and pitfalls of life at Gallaudet University.
• Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Season 2: Rio (Netflix family) – When one of their own goes missing, the Spy Racers must leave LA and head to Brazil to take down a crime organization in Rio.
• The Forty-Year-Old Version (Netflix film) – Desperate for a breakthrough as she turns 40, down-on-her-luck New York playwright Radha reinvents herself as a rapper and searches for her true voice.
• Ginny Weds Sunny (Netflix film) – Eager to marry but constantly rejected by women, a bachelor hopes to win over a former crush by accepting help from an unlikely source: his mother.
• The Haunting of Bly Manor (Netflix original) – From The Haunting of Hill House creator Mike Flanagan and producer Trevor Macy comes the next highly anticipated chapter of The Haunting anthology series, set in 1980s England. After an au pair’s tragic death, Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas) hires a young American nanny (Victoria Pedretti) to care for his orphaned niece and nephew (Amelie Bea Smith, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) who reside at Bly Manor with the estate’s chef Owen (Rahul Kohli), groundskeeper Jamie (Amelia Eve) and housekeeper, Mrs. Grose (T’Nia Miller). But all is not as it seems at the manor, and centuries of dark secrets of love and loss are waiting to be unearthed in this chilling gothic romance. At Bly Manor, dead doesn’t mean gone.
• Super Monsters: Dia de los Monsters (Netflix family) – Super Monsters visit Vida’s home town for a Dia De Los Muertos parade where they meet some new Super Monsters.

Monday, October 12

• Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts: Season 3 (Netflix family) – Against all odds, Kipo and the gang ended an old enemy’s reign of terror. Now they’re on a mission to fight a fierce anti-Mute evildoer: Dr. Emilia.

Tuesday, October 13

• The Cabin with Bert Kreischer (Netflix comedy special) – After years on the grind, Bert Kreischer sets out on a purifying retreat to a remote cabin to cleanse his “mind, body and soul.” In The Cabin with Bert Kreischer, a new 5-episode docu-series, the comedian is joined by his celebrity friends as he attempts bizarre therapy techniques, intense physical challenges, and ridiculously improvised encounters with nature. Special guests include Anthony Anderson, Big Jay Oakerson, Bobby Lee, Caitlyn Jenner, Deon Cole, Donnell Rawlings, Fortune Feimster, Gabriel Iglesias, Joel McHale, Joey Diaz, Kaley Cuoco, Nikki Glaser, and Tom Segura.
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
• Octonauts & the Great Barrier Reef (Netflix family) – The Octonauts must find a way to hold back hungry swarms of coral-eating starfish to save a new friend’s fragile home on the world’s biggest reef.

Wednesday, October 14

• Blackpink: Light Up the Sky (Netflix documentary) – Record-shattering Korean girl band Blackpink tell their story — and detail the hard-fought journey of the dreams and trials behind their meteoric rise.

Thursday, October 15

• A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting (Netflix film) – When high school freshman Kelly Ferguson (Tamara Smart) reluctantly agrees to babysit Jacob Zellman (Ian Ho) on Halloween, the last thing she expects is to be recruited into an international secret society of babysitters who protect kids with special powers from monsters. In order to keep Jacob safe from harm, Kelly teams with no-nonsense chapter Vice President Liz Lerue (Oona Laurence), tech genius Berna Vincent (Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson), creature expert Cassie Zhen (Lynn Masako Cheng) and potions master Curtis Critter (Ty Consiglio) to defeat a Boogeyman known as “The Grand Guignol” (Tom Felton), a glamorous witch named “Peggy Drood” (Indya Moore) and their legion of mysterious monsters. Based on the first installment of Joe Ballarini’s popular scary book series of the same name, A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting is directed by Rachel Talalay, produced by Ivan Reitman and Amie Karp, with Naia Cucukov, Tom Pollock, and Ilona Herzberg executive producing. Alessio Scalzotto, Tamsen McDonough, Ashton Arbab, Crystal Balint, and Ricky He also co-star in this action-packed adventure about working together to overcome your fears.
• Love Like the Falling Rain (Netflix film) – Fearing rejection, a young man struggles to declare his feelings for his best friend, who soon falls for another man — until a fateful incident.
• Rooting for Roona (Netflix documentary) – In rural India, a child with hydrocephalus gets a chance at life-changing surgery after her photos go viral. This documentary charts her journey.
• Social Distance (Netflix original) – Shot in isolation, this tragicomic anthology series features both dark and funny takes on how people strive to stay connected while staying apart.

Friday, October 16

• Alguien tiene que morir / Someone Has to Die (Netflix original) – In 1950s’ Spain, a couple summon their son home from Mexico to introduce him to his fiancée, but are shocked when he returns with a ballerino.
• Dream Home Makeover (Netflix original) – Shea and Syd McGee of Studio McGee help dreams come true for real families looking to update their home tailored to their own unique style.
• Grand Army (Netflix original) – Five students at the largest public high school in Brooklyn take on a chaotic world as they fight to succeed, survive, break free and seize the future.
• La Révolution (Netflix original) – 1787, France. While investigating a series of mysterious murders, Joseph Guillotin — the future inventor of the infamous guillotine — uncovers an unknown virus: the Blue Blood. The disease, quickly spreads amongst the French aristocracy, driving them to murder ordinary people and soon leads to a rebellion. What if the French Revolution didn’t happen the way we were told?
• The Last Kids on Earth: Book 3 (Netflix family) – As the four pals continue to live it up with their monster allies, Jack worries a newly discovered radio transmitter may put an end to the fun.
• The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Netflix film) – What was intended to be a peaceful protest at the 1968 Democratic National Convention turned into a violent clash with police and the National Guard. The organizers of the protest — including Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, and Bobby Seale — were charged with conspiracy to incite a riot and the trial that followed was one of the most notorious in history.

Monday, October 19

• Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 2 (Netflix documentary) – In six new episodes, Unsolved Mysteries profiles more unexplained disappearances, tragic events, and bizarre occurrences. Perhaps one viewer holds the key to solving these cases. Detectives, journalists, and family members offer intriguing theories in this gripping series, from the creators of the original docuseries, Cosgrove/Meurer Productions, and 21 Laps Entertainment, the producers of Stranger Things.

Tuesday, October 20

• The Magic School Bus Rides Again The Frizz Connection (Netflix family) – Lightning splits the Magic School Bus into three pieces, scattering the class across the globe with different versions of Ms. Frizzle aboard each bus!

Wednesday, October 21

• My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman: Season 3 (Netflix original) – TV legend David Letterman teams up with Dave Chappelle, Robert Downey Jr., and more for another season of in-depth interviews and curiosity-fueled excursions.
• Rebecca (Netflix film) – After a whirlwind romance in Monte Carlo with handsome widower Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer), a newly married young woman (Lily James) arrives at Manderley, her new husband’s imposing family estate on a windswept English coast. Naive and inexperienced, she begins to settle into the trappings of her new life, but finds herself battling the shadow of Maxim’s first wife, the elegant and urbane Rebecca, whose haunting legacy is kept alive by Manderley’s sinister housekeeper Mrs. Danvers (Kristin Scott Thomas). Directed by Ben Wheatley (High Rise, Free Fire) and produced by Working Title Films (Emma, Darkest Hour), Rebecca is a mesmerising and gorgeously rendered psychological thriller based on Daphne du Maurier’s beloved 1938 gothic novel.

Thursday, October 22

• The Alienist: Angel of Darkness (Netflix original) – Sara Howard calls on her friends Dr. Laszlo Kreizler and journalist John Moore for assistance when she’s hired to find the Spanish ambassador’s kidnapped baby, leading to the discovery of a disturbing series of murders.
• Cadaver (Netflix film) – A Norwegian psychological horror film that takes us on a journey where humanity is being put to a test and stars among others Gitte Witt, Thorbjørn Harr, Thomas Gullestad) and Kingsford Siayor. In the starving aftermath of a nuclear disaster, Leonora (Gitte Witt), Jacob (Thomas Gullestad) and their daughter Alice (Tuva Olivia Remman) are on the edge of survival. One day, the local hotel invites survivors to attend a theatre play, with a meal included, as a charitable effort to help those in need. Left with no choice, the family of three decide to go to the hotel, where the director, Mathias (Thorbjørn Harr), introduces the entire hotel as the stage. Attendees are given masks to help separate them from actors, but the play takes an eerie turn when audience members start to disappear. The line between reality and theatre quickly gets blurred, until Alice disappears in front of Leo and Jacob, and there’s no longer room for doubt: Something is very wrong with Mathias’ hotel.

Friday, October 23

• Barbarians (Netflix original) – Three people’s fates are interwoven in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 A.D., during which Germanic warriors halt the spread of the Roman Empire.
• Move (Netflix original) – Discover the brilliant dancers and choreographers who are shaping the art of movement around the world in this documentary series.
• Over the Moon (Netflix film) – Fueled with determination and a passion for science, a bright young girl builds a rocket ship to the moon to prove the existence of a legendary Moon Goddess. Directed by Oscar-Winning Filmmaker & Animator, Glen Keane, and produced by Gennie Rim and Peilin Chou. Starring Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Robert G. Chiu, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ruthie Ann Miles, Margaret Cho, Kimiko Glenn, Artt Butler and Sandra Oh.
• Perdida (Netflix original) – Antonio sets himself up to be arrested so he’ll be sent to Colombia’s worst prison, La Brecha. He’s after the man who kidnapped his daughter years ago.
• The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix original) – Based on the novel by Walter Tevis, this Netflix limited series drama is a coming-of-age story that explores the true cost of genius. Abandoned and entrusted to a Kentucky orphanage in the late 1950s, a young Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) discovers an astonishing talent for chess while developing an addiction to tranquilizers provided by the state as a sedative for the children. Haunted by her personal demons and fueled by a cocktail of narcotics and obsession, Beth transforms into an impressively skilled and glamorous outcast while determined to conquer the traditional boundaries established in the male-dominated world of competitive chess. The series is directed and written by two-time Academy Award nominee Scott Frank and executive produced by Frank, William Horberg and Allan Scott, who also co-created the series. the series stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Marielle Heller, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Moses Ingram, Harry Melling, and Bill Camp.

Tuesday, October 27

• Blood of Zeus (Netflix anime) – A commoner living in ancient Greece, Heron discovers his true heritage as a son of Zeus, and his purpose: To save the world from a demonic army.
• Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt: Season 4 (Netflix family) – There’s no problem that Chico Bon Bon and his “Fix-it Force” can’t solve. From building a new skate park to stopping a vehicle from falling off a cliff, this crew takes care of any engineering troubles headed their way.
• Vilas: Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada / Guillermo Vilas: Settling the Score (Netflix documentary) – A journalist spent a decade crusading against one of the largest sports corporations on the planet to prove that Guillermo Vilas was the world’s best tennis player of his time.

Wednesday, October 28

• Holidate (Netflix film) – Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) hate the holidays. They constantly find themselves single, sitting at the kids table, or stuck with awkward dates. But when these two strangers meet one particularly bad Christmas, they make a pact to be each other’s “holidate” for every festive occasion throughout the next year. With a mutual disdain for the holidays, and assuring themselves that they have no romantic interest in the other, they make the perfect team. However, as a year of absurd celebrations come to an end, Sloane and Jackson find that sharing everything they hate may just prove to be something they unexpectedly love.
• Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight (Netflix film) – Addicted to technology, a group of teens attends a rehabilitation camp in the forest, but a sinister force there intends to take them offline forever. From Akson Studio.
• Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb (Netflix documentary) – A team of local archaeologists excavate never before explored passageways, shafts and tombs, piecing together the secrets of Egypt’s most significant find in almost 50 years.

Friday, October 30

• Bronx (Netflix film) – A team of cops investigating the seedy underbelly of Marseille, France, find themselves in over their heads as they realize that some of their fellow officers may be deep in the pockets of the city’s gangs, and they risk losing their jobs — or worse — unless they can set things right.
• The Day of the Lord (Netflix film) – Menéndez is a retired priest who lives in his dark and ruinous apartment turning his back on the world. He suffers from a crisis of faith and is haunted by horrible nightmares and acts of his past that torture him. One day, he receives the visit from Sebastián, an old friend who knows Menéndez’s past business. He claims his daughter is possessed by the devil and begs for Menéndez’s help to exorcize her, although he’s well aware of the aggressive methods the priest uses. Pushed by Sebastián’s insistence and his inner conflict, Menéndez takes this case as a chance for redemption. He has a new goal in life but is she really possessed or will she suffer a senseless torture?
• His House (Netflix film) – After making a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, a young refugee couple struggle to adjust to their new life in a small English town that has an unspeakable evil lurking beneath the surface.
• Somebody Feed Phil: Season 4 (Netflix original) – “Everybody Loves Raymond” creator Phil Rosenthal travels the globe to take in the local cuisine and culture of five new cities.
• Suburra: Season 3 (Netflix original) – The final judgement in the battle for land in an Italian seaside town is close, and the criminals are ready to play the game for the last time.

Leaving Netflix Canada in October

Monday, October 19

• Scary Movie
• Scary Movie 2
• Scary Movie 3
• Scary Movie 4
• Scary Movie 5

Saturday, October 31

• Back to the Future
• Back to the Future Part II
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Deadpool 2
• The Matrix
• Superbad

All titles and dates are subject to change.

On August 31st, the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) in Peterborough launched “Essential”, a photography project that raises awareness of the precarious situation of local artists and arts organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of EC3’s Peterborough Arts Alive initiative, the Essential project is a series of 17 photos by local photographer Julie Gagne that depicts 20 local artists during the pandemic. Each of the photos feature an artist or artists in their home or workplace and is accompanied by an artist statement about their experience of the pandemic.

Twice each week until the end of October, kawarthaNOW is publishing photos from the series. Today, we feature freelance musician and teacher Jane MacKay.

Freelance musician and teacher Jane MacKay

A message from EC3 about The Essential Project

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on both individual artists and arts organizations in Peterborough. Performance venues and galleries have been closed, concerts cancelled, exhibitions postponed, entire seasons abandoned. Organizations and facilities are trying to grapple with the loss of revenue and an uncertain future. “Reopening” is not straightforward, to say the least.

Individual artists have lost their creative income and the opportunity to work together to create — something that is absolutely vital to them and to their audiences. Many have pivoted, and developed and presented some great virtual and digital projects. But nothing replaces live performance in front of a live audience and the catalytic energy that comes from being together to rehearse, discuss, and plan projects, to gather at an opening or artist talk.

Isolated at home, cut off from their communities and the lifeblood that is their artistic practice, local artists still found ways to keep our cultural life alive. Silenced and almost invisible, they kept working. But it hasn’t been easy.

Local photographer Julie Gagne began photographing a number of Peterborough residents in their homes during the earlier stage of the pandemic and posted the photos on Facebook. The eloquent, haunting images of her “Within” portrait project included some artists, and those incredibly moving images caught the eye of EC3 executive director Su Ditta.

Julie’s photos made us think. We have all benefited from the work of artists during the pandemic: we’ve listened to music, read books, watched films, toured virtual exhibitions, tuned in to living room concerts. What has it been like for the artists? Will people remember how essential the arts were to getting through the pandemic when it comes to recovery funding and budget planning? Will arts organizations be supported in a robust recovery plan?

EC3 asked theatre artist Sarah McNeilly to curate and coordinate, and approached Julie Gagne to do a distinct series of photos that spoke to the experience of local artists and what art means to our lives, in good times and in bad. It’s essential.

This arts awareness project is both a witness to the struggles of, and a testament to the courage and contributions of this community during the COVID-19 lockdown. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Julie and everyone in the arts community who have kept us going.

On August 31st, the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) in Peterborough launched “Essential”, a photography project that raises awareness of the precarious situation of local artists and arts organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of EC3’s Peterborough Arts Alive initiative, the Essential project is a series of 17 photos by local photographer Julie Gagne that depicts 20 local artists during the pandemic. Each of the photos feature an artist or artists in their home or workplace and is accompanied by an artist statement about their experience of the pandemic.

Twice each week until the end of October, kawarthaNOW is publishing photos from the series. Today, we feature performer Hilary Wear.

Hilary Wear, Performer

A message from EC3 about The Essential Project

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on both individual artists and arts organizations in Peterborough. Performance venues and galleries have been closed, concerts cancelled, exhibitions postponed, entire seasons abandoned. Organizations and facilities are trying to grapple with the loss of revenue and an uncertain future. “Reopening” is not straightforward, to say the least.

Individual artists have lost their creative income and the opportunity to work together to create — something that is absolutely vital to them and to their audiences. Many have pivoted, and developed and presented some great virtual and digital projects. But nothing replaces live performance in front of a live audience and the catalytic energy that comes from being together to rehearse, discuss, and plan projects, to gather at an opening or artist talk.

Isolated at home, cut off from their communities and the lifeblood that is their artistic practice, local artists still found ways to keep our cultural life alive. Silenced and almost invisible, they kept working. But it hasn’t been easy.

Local photographer Julie Gagne began photographing a number of Peterborough residents in their homes during the earlier stage of the pandemic and posted the photos on Facebook. The eloquent, haunting images of her “Within” portrait project included some artists, and those incredibly moving images caught the eye of EC3 executive director Su Ditta.

Julie’s photos made us think. We have all benefited from the work of artists during the pandemic: we’ve listened to music, read books, watched films, toured virtual exhibitions, tuned in to living room concerts. What has it been like for the artists? Will people remember how essential the arts were to getting through the pandemic when it comes to recovery funding and budget planning? Will arts organizations be supported in a robust recovery plan?

EC3 asked theatre artist Sarah McNeilly to curate and coordinate, and approached Julie Gagne to do a distinct series of photos that spoke to the experience of local artists and what art means to our lives, in good times and in bad. It’s essential.

This arts awareness project is both a witness to the struggles of, and a testament to the courage and contributions of this community during the COVID-19 lockdown. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Julie and everyone in the arts community who have kept us going.