The MacLaren Art Centre is the regional public art gallery serving the residents of Barrie, Simcoe County and surrounding area. Our mission is to engage and enrich the immediate and larger community by providing innovative and relevant contemporary visual arts programming. We believe in the transformative power of the arts and their capacity to enrich understanding, empathy and creativity. As an art museum, the MacLaren is engaged with the collection, conservation, presentation, documentation, promotion and appreciation of contemporary Canadian visual art for the benefit, enrichment and enjoyment of public audiences. The Gallery has a Permanent Collection of artworks held in trust for the public and presents a year-round programme of innovative exhibitions, unique experiential art education activities and special events. Education provides the unifying link that activates our collections and exhibitions, and fosters an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts.