FAQ

What is Cultural Mapping?

Cultural mapping is defined as a systematic approach to identifying, recording and classifying a community’s cultural resources to describe and visualize them. A stronger knowledge base about culture in Burlington informs planning and policy, supports economic development and tourism, and expands access and participation.

Local creative organizations, businesses, and professionals are invited to create listings on the Cultural Map. This online tool provides information about cultural assets and resources available in Burlington. The map enables residents to add and maintain their own listings and search and discover other cultural resources including: community cultural organizations, creative cultural industries, cultural events and festivals, cultural facilities and spaces, cultural heritage, independent artists, natural heritage and public art. Create your listing today and get on the map!

What is a Cultural Resource?

The Canadian Framework for Culture Statistics defines the cultural sector as the set of industries that are involved in the creation, production, manufacturing, distribution and preservation of cultural goods. These activities form the creative chain and are classified into industries as defined by North American Industry Classification Systems codes. Based on the Provincial Cultural Resource Framework and Ontario Municipal Cultural Planning Incorporated, the following cultural resource categories have been identified:

  • Community Cultural Organizations
  • Creative Cultural Industries
  • Cultural Events & Festivals
  • Cultural Facilities & Spaces
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Independent Artists
  • Natural Heritage
  • Public Art

Community Cultural Organizations: Organizations that represent arts, heritage and ethno-cultural interests in the community. These are usually non-profits and include arts and heritage advisory committees, ethno-cultural associations, local arts councils, dance schools and library boards.

Creative Cultural Industries: Businesses and non-profit groups involved in the creation, production, manufacturing and distribution of cultural goods or services. This includes everything from theatrical costume making to creative software design.

Cultural Events & Festivals: Festivals and events in our community. These include performing arts events, tours of culturally significant places, seasonal celebrations, and many others.

Cultural Facilities & Spaces: Buildings and sites that host cultural activity. These include spaces in the public, private and non-profit sectors, and consist of everything from purpose-built facilities, to facilities that include cultural programming.

Cultural Heritage: The management and exhibition of objects, buildings and sites of historical, cultural and educational value. These include everything from pioneer villages to archival collections.

Independent Artists: This industry comprises independent individuals (free-lance) or groups primarily engaged in artistic productions, creating artistic and cultural works, or providing technical expertise necessary for these productions.

Natural Heritage: Natural wonders and areas of environmental and cultural significance. These include municipal parks, conservation areas and botanical gardens.

Public Art: Includes any art exhibited in a public space including publicly accessible buildings such as monuments, memorials and civic statuary, architectural sculpture, street furniture, street lighting, artistic benches, murals, etc.

Additional Resources

Depending on where and how cultural activity takes place in the community, the below categories are also included in Cultural Mapping:

  • Churches and other places of worship;
  • Community facilities: Community centers and other facilities;
  • Hospitality: Accommodation and food services, drinking places, restaurants with cultural elements or ethnic food.

What if my listing fits into more than one category?

That is simple, when adding your listing expand the main categories within the artistic category field and check all the categories that apply to your listing.

How many listings can I add?

You can add as many listings as you like once you register and create an account on the site.

How do I register?

You will see a Create tab at the top of the screen. Click on this tab and you will be presented with two options: Create an Account, or Login. If you do not have an account, click on Create an Account and fill in your desired user name, e-mail address, and password. Please note, for security reasons, the password must be at least 15 characters long. Once you create the new account you will be directed to the form to add a listing to the site. You will also get an e-mail notification and must verify the account creation.

Why does the password have to be so long?

For security purposes and to conform to the City of Burlington’s security protocols, there is a minimum limit of 15 characters for the password. If you have issues logging in, please see What if I lose my password below.

What kind of information do I provide for my listing?

There are a few mandatory fields required, however, the more information you provide will ensure that the directory is more comprehensive. Current information you can provide includes:

  • Logo (you can upload this);
  • Location Information: Name, Street, City, Province, Postal Code, Phone and Fax. After you enter the location information, simply click Find Address on Map and help the map locate your listing. If the location is a bit off, simply click and drag the pin to where you would like it to appear;
  • Business Profile Information: Business Name, contact, email, website, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Business Type, Artistic Category, Mandate/Description of your business;
  • Date founded;
  • Keywords: This will help people find your listing using the built-in search functionality and will allow the search engine to find you;
  • Photos: If you have photos of your space, art, or business, upload them here;
  • Property type: Own or Rent. This is for internal use only. Other users cannot see this information;
  • Ward: Which ward number are you in?

What if I lose my password?

Fifteen characters is a lot to remember, so we have added the ability to request a new password. Simply go to the login page and click on Request new password, or click here to request a new password.

I have added my listing, but I do not see it

There is a screening process for new listings added to the site. This will help ensure that the site has relevant, useful information. Once the listing has been approved you will receive an e-mail notification informing you that it is active and on the map.

Something has changed, how do I update my listing?

Once you are registered you will see a button in the top menu called My Listings. Click on this to view the listings associated with your account. From here you can click on the name of the listing to view it, click on the Edit link to make any changes or Unpublish Listing to remove it from the site entirely.

How do I get more listings associated with my account?

To add a new listing log in to the system and click Add Listing. Fill out the form to add the listing and submit it. The listing will then go through the approval process before being published.

I see a listing on the site that belongs to me, how do I add this to my listings?

If you are on that listing, you will see a link for Request Ownership of this Listing. This link will also be in the footer of the site. Fill out the form to make your request. The Arts and Culture Coordinator will email or call you with any questions or confirm your request.