From hashtag to community event: Local collaboration continues to expand Stratford’s creative side

Our Stōr(y) will host a creative event showcasing Stratford’s identity through the eyes of many this December. 

After the success of #howucstratford, a collaborative initiative between investStratford and local business owner Kevin September, September will be hosting a follow-up event showcasing the artwork submitted through that social media project.

The event will take place at September’s business address, Our Stōr(y) on 7 George St. W from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. The event is focused on how artists identify Stratford and will feature a range of creative pieces, such as sculptures, sketches, paintings, and photographs that were submitted through #howucstratford. 

“It’s really exciting to see so many creatives participating and sharing their perspectives. I wasn’t expecting such a strong response from the community,” said September. “All the outlets shared something about this, which made me really proud. Now, we’re continuing to grow and welcome even more stories.” 

The event will feature poetry presentations from Indigenous poet Scott Tillson, award-winning poet and photographer Heidi Sander and a reading from Stratford’s Poet Laureate David Stones.

September and investStratford collaborated on an initiative over the summer, encouraging local artists and community members to express how they see Stratford. Participants could write how they saw Stratford on notepads that were scattered throughout the community or submit artwork through social media using the hashtag #howucstratford. 

Since starting the initiative, September and investStratford have discussed showcasing the artworks in a central hub. September wants to see the project continued, marking the community event as the first part of something grander. 

“I want people to reflect not only on what they love about this place, but also on what they question, what they hope to see grow, shift and evolve,” said September. “I’m glad we struck a nerve, that something in this conversation stirred a deeper curiosity about who we are and who we’re becoming.”