Strengthening Community Engagement Through Art
The MacLaren Art Centre is a free public art gallery located in downtown Barrie, Ontario. With over 4,300 works of Canadian art in its Permanent Collection and a dedicated volunteer team, the Gallery serves a community of more than 450,000 people across Simcoe County and central Ontario. Through a mix of historical and contemporary exhibitions, lectures, tours, and programs, the MacLaren fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation of Canadian visual culture.
Since 2021, Interkom has partnered with the MacLaren to lead marketing, communications, social media, graphic design, and web development. This collaboration has expanded the Gallery’s reach, boosted event participation, and strengthened its ability to connect with audiences both in-person and online.
Website Design & Development
Interkom created three websites to support the MacLaren’s digital presence. Each one was designed for a specific audience: showcasing exhibitions and programs, promoting the Gallery as a wedding venue, and driving fundraising through the annual gala. Together, these sites extend the Gallery’s reach and make it easier for visitors and supporters to connect.
Bringing exhibitions, programs, and events online
- Integrated an e-commerce system for seamless program and event registrations.
- Designed a dedicated exhibitions section with flexible layouts to showcase current and past shows.
- Highlighted memberships and donations as key revenue streams, making it easy for visitors to support the Gallery.
- Built a user-friendly platform to share news, events, and visitor information.
- Focused on a clean, accessible design that reflects the Gallery’s identity and engages the community.
Showcasing the MacLaren’s premier black-tie fundraiser
The Gala website set the tone for one of the Gallery’s most important nights of the year — an elegant evening of art, celebration, and community support. Built around a striking video hero, the site captured the energy and excitement of the event while driving ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations.
Positioning the Gallery as a unique wedding venue
- Created a dedicated microsite to showcase the MacLaren as an elegant downtown Barrie wedding destination.
- Featured venue spaces, catering options, and customizable packages to appeal to couples planning their day.
- Designed with a visual, inspiration-focused layout to highlight photography and testimonials.
- Integrated clear calls-to-action for booking inquiries and event consultations.