BIGLAKE Arts

BIGLAKE Arts is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered under the business number 770141463RR0001. It is dedicated to advancing the appreciation of the arts through the presentation of high-quality musical and multimedia performances. The organization is best known for the BIGLAKE Festival, an immersive summer celebration of diverse musical experiences held in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

History and Founding

Established in 2018, BIGLAKE Arts was co-founded by Johannes Debus, Music Director for the Canadian Opera Company, and Elissa Lee, a Juno Award-winning violinist. Their vision was to create a cultural institution that fuses tradition and innovation by blending a variety of musical genres and cultural influences to curate unique and intimate performances. The founders also serve as the artistic directors and programmers of the organization.

Mission and Objectives

BIGLAKE Arts' mission is threefold:

• To bring exceptional music experiences to audiences in Prince Edward County.
• To create a creative playground for artists, providing them freedom to explore, collaborate, and perform in novel ways.
• To offer audiences musical experiences that inspire imagination and inclusion.

This mission reflects the organization’s commitment to both artist development and community engagement through the arts.

Programming and Activities

The core offering of BIGLAKE Arts is the annual BIGLAKE Festival, which features world-class classical musicians from Canada and internationally, including performers from Europe and Asia. The festival takes place primarily in Wellington, a lakeside village in Prince Edward County, utilizing venues such as the Wellington Music Hall, which serves as the festival's home base.

Beyond the summer festival, BIGLAKE Arts presents year-round concert series and special events under the Biglake Series & Events banner. These off-season performances continue to bring exceptional artists to the region and maintain the organization’s presence in the community.

BIGLAKE also partners with local businesses and organizations to transform non-traditional spaces into concert venues, enhancing the intimacy and uniqueness of the musical experiences and fostering community connections.

Funding and Support

BIGLAKE Arts operates with a funding model that includes ticket sales and significant financial support from private donors, corporations, and government sources. Ticket sales account for approximately 16% of operating revenue, while donations represent the majority, with 68% coming from private donors and 16% from public funding. This diverse funding structure supports the organization in sustaining and expanding its offerings, with fundraising goals reflecting its ambition to become a permanent cultural fixture in the community.

Community and Cultural Impact

BIGLAKE Arts contributes significantly to the cultural life of Prince Edward County by enriching the local arts scene with high-caliber performances and fostering new artistic collaborations. Its programming not only draws audiences from within Ontario but also attracts visitors from major urban centers such as Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, thereby enhancing the region's cultural tourism.

Through its innovative approach to programming and community partnerships, BIGLAKE Arts has positioned itself as a dynamic institution blending classical tradition with contemporary artistic exploration, making it a unique and valued component of Canada's nonprofit arts sector.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information about BIGLAKE Arts and their programming as of 2025.