March 20th, 2026
Salisbury, NB – The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) is pleased to announce the official launch of the first Arts and Culture Policy for the Town of Salisbury. The policy was officially unveiled yesterday evening in conjunction with the completion of the retrofits of the school theater. This marks the completion of the first phase of the Pilot Project, adapting the cultural policy formation process developed for use in Acadian communities to an anglophone context.
With the support of L’association Acadienne des artistes professionnel. le.s du Nouveau-Brunswick (L’AAAPNB), and ArtsLinkNB, stakeholders and municipal officials have worked together to bring their expertise and passion to the table, recognizing that cultural policies are the backbone of well-being, community inclusion and positive growth for any municipality. The Salisbury Community Committee included elected officials, municipal staff, educators, artists, as well as representatives from both the seniors and newcomers’ communities.
“The committee expertise and insights really became the driving force, weaving the necessary fibers to build a strong, representative and most importantly – actionable – arts and culture policy for our town,” said Town of Salisbury Mayor Robert Campbell. “The work is grounded in a sense of community and belonging, the heritage so many of our residents admire, and acknowledging the importance of partnerships as well as making the arts visible for all to enjoy.”
Throughout the process, projects such as the Highland Park and Salisbury Amphitheatre Mural reflected the importance of a guiding cultural policy that represented the history and future dreams of the town. The project has helped to solidify the importance of arts and culture for Salisbury, something that UMNB President, Brittany Merrifield hopes can take hold in communities all across New Brunswick:
“UMNB staff and the Town of Salisbury really put their heart and soul into this project. Not only have staff and community members managed to continue to beautify their municipality, but they have also cemented the significance of arts and culture into how the Town of Salisbury will make decisions moving forward. Art and culture can be an effective tool for community development, storytelling and bringing neighbourhoods closer together especially in a time of transition following local governance reform.”
UMNB hopes to continue to work with other communities, and the provincial government, to expand the Cultural Pilot Project to more municipalities in the year ahead.
Media inquiries are asked to be directed toward:
Briana Cowie
External Relations Manager
(506) 444-2285