ABOUT US
LIGHTING UP THE COUNTY SINCE 2013
The Department of Illumination was founded by a group of artists in Prince Edward County, Ontario, who first came together to create the Firelight Lantern Festival. Over a decade later, our organization continues to grow, and we're still lighting up the County with creativity! As a registered not-for-profit, our goal is to use the arts to bring people together for shared experiences of wonder, joy and togetherness.
Our vibrant studio is located in the historic Picton Armoury; it's where we run our annual programs, host hands-on workshops, and build the puppets and props that define our signature events. We strive to be a cultural leader in rural arts, demonstrating that innovation and excellence can thrive right here at home.
Our Mission
To cultivate community well-being through joy, inclusivity, and the wonder of art.
HISTORY
2013 FOUNDED
The Department of Illumination is founded by a group of artists in Prince Edward County, Ontario, coming together to create the Firelight Lantern Festival.
2018 REGISTERED NOT FOR PROFIT
The DOI registers for official Not-For-Profit status, adopting its first volunteer board and official bylaws.
2020 ARMOURY STUDIO
Leased our first creative space in the Armoury, extending our reach and providing space to welcome community in!
2022 10 YEAR CELEBRATION
Celebrated 10 years of the Firelight Lantern festival and launched our annual 10x10 art show.
2026 A STRATEGY FOR JOY
A new strategic plan paves the road for the DOl with a focus on community building and inclusivity through art.
Our Vision
Prince Edward County is a resilient and joyful place that is lit up by creativity, where everyone feels a profound sense of belonging and is empowered to shape our community through art.
Work That Matters
Dedicated to crafting an inclusive, authentic rural identity that is welcoming to all, we utilize large-scale puppetry and public processions to activate public spaces and provide meaningful, barrier-free arts experiences.
OUR GUIDING Values
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Art is playful, celebratory, and a fundamental source of human happiness. It can nourish, uplift, and animate people and communities.
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Joy is central to our way of being — we let care, play, delight, and imagination shape everything we do. We know we cannot spread joy unless we are joyful ourselves.
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We value differences among people, cultures, and identities. Our programs prioritize accessibility and offer opportunities for people to see themselves reflected in the experience. We welcome all identities, economic backgrounds, and ways of knowing and doing.
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We create together as a group to connect with community and to build trust.
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Our creativity grows from the landscape, people, and spirit of Prince Edward County.
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We commit to environmental sustainability and to reducing our impact on the planet. We care for the Earth.
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Experimentation, reflection, and growth are essential parts of our creative practice.
OUR MANDATE
We commit to:
Reclaim and enliven public spaces by producing large-scale community arts events
Prioritize intergenerational creative play and skill-sharing by facilitating accessible, low-barrier workshops
Push the boundaries of community arts by working across artistic disciplines
Weave the arts into the fabric of daily life and empower the public to become co-creators of our culture, by partnering with local organizations, businesses, and people
Champion equity by actively removing financial, physical, social, cultural, and other barriers to participation in our offerings
Care for the Earth through environmentally sustainable practices and by reducing our impact on the planet
Our Funders
We are grateful to our public and private partners for their generous funding and support of our work. Also see our current year donor acknowledgment.
The Elderberry Fund
CURRENT FINANCE & STRATEGY
In compliance with not-for-profit legislation our yearly financial statements are prepared and presented at our Annual General Meeting. Find links to our latest statement and Strategic Plan.
People & Partners
We value a vibrant rural arts ecology that encourages meaningful cultural work. We partner with local organizations, businesses, and people to bring the arts to all and empower the public to become co-creators of our culture.
STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
VOTING MEMBERS
BOARD Of Directors
SUPPORTERS & DONORS
Frequently Asked Questions
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The best ways to keep up on what’s new is to join our mailing list , follow us on Instagram or Facebook. Or check our home page!
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We invite you to lend your expertise and passion to help us scale our impact. Fill out our volunteer interest form, and let’s discuss how we can grow together.
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DOI members are dedicated supporters invested in the long-term health and development of the organization. While membership includes perks like advanced ticket access, its true value lies in stewardship: participating in our Annual General Meeting.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We’d love to bring our magic to your organization or community! See our quote form to get an idea of cost.
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Buy one here or look for our merch table at our next event! You can also pop by our studio in the lower level of the Armoury; available most weekdays during business hours.
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We have lots of sponsorship options for businesses of all sizes and levels of support. Browse the options and fun perks available to sponsors.