The purpose of the MPAC initiative is to undertake research and provide technical assistance to municipal performing arts centres to fully realize their potential as social and economic community builders. The presenting programs of many of municipally-supported performing arts centres have shifted towards mission-driven, curated programming that supports important artistic work and fosters community cultural development. The MPAC project provides venues with practical planning frameworks and processes that support these missions and align the MPACs with their local municipal cultural plans.