The Antigonish Arts Centre is a visionary project to create a new, purpose-built cultural hub for Northeastern Nova Scotia. This initiative aims to establish Antigonish as a premier destination for arts and culture, fostering a vibrant, creative economy for residents and visitors alike.

 A Community-Led Vision

This project is grounded in the commitment and expertise of local arts leaders and community members. The principal visionary, Aida Arnold, is a retired business owner who, along with her husband, David Miller, has been an advocate for the arts in the region for over three decades. Her vision began with that of a notable building that would house a public art gallery and performance space creating a destination for visitors to Antigonish.

In early 2022, Aida enlisted the help of Tiiu Poder, a local arts advocate and entrepreneur. Together they initiated an extensive series of consultations with artists and cultural professionals to assess their needs and those of the broader community. While Antigonish possesses a dynamic arts sector, there is a lack of adequate infrastructure to support and sustain it, thereby limiting the social and economic advantages typically derived from a robust arts community.

Consequently, the project vision expanded to encompass the establishment of a public art gallery featuring travelling exhibitions, presentations, educational programs, and opportunities for creative exchange. By 2024, this vision became a collaborative initiative with Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre (FAST), a prominent institution that has captivated audiences at StFX University for five decades.  In 2025 Antigonish Culture Alive, Antigonish’s Art Council, was invited to help amplify the voices of artist and community art groups.

The proposed concept envisions a high-profile venue, strategically positioned for visibility from the TransCanada, was and easily accessible to pedestrians. The objective is to develop a building that functions as both a premier arts facility and a distinct architectural feature—serving as a focal point for the community.

The Mission

The new Art Centre will serve as a vibrant community hub, bringing together Antigonish’s diverse cultural groups and fostering appreciation for the arts. By offering sustainable spaces for creation, performance, and education, it will support rural artists and celebrate local Mi’kmaq, Acadian, African Nova Scotian, and Celtic cultures. Our goal is to position Antigonish as a leader in arts and culture and an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

The Challenge: A Strong and Stable Arts Infrastructure

Antigonish’s cultural vitality is threatened by inadequate infrastructure, as the deteriorating Bauer Theatre faces fire code deadlines and may not last five more years. Immediate action is needed to prevent the loss of performing arts space. The Art Centre project is proposed as the essential long-term solution.

The Opportunity: A Multi-Disciplinary Cultural Hub

The proposed Antigonish Arts Centre will provide a permanent home for the performing and creative arts. It will be a versatile, multi-purpose facility that supports a wide range of activities and programs. Some of the defining features will be:

• A Creative Arts Wing – will feature a public art gallery and exhibition space, serving as the focal point for an adjacent complex of studios, workspaces, and educational and training facilities. These resources are designed to support artists and provide opportunities to exhibit their work.
• A Performing Arts Wing – with a professional-grade theatre and performance facility for FAST and other professional and amateur productions, recitals and concerts.
• A Commercial Division – For retail and service rentals.
• Education and Learning – Spaces for dance and music academies, youth programs, and workshops for all ages.
• Shared Infrastructure – Administrative offices, community gathering spaces, a café, and a retail shop that will generate revenue.
• Architectural Excellence – A spectacular building designed with a net-zero footprint that incorporates local history and culture.
• Economic Contribution – The Centre will attract visitors, create jobs, and foster a creative environment that encourages new residents and businesses to move to the area.
• Awareness of Arts and Culture – Enhance educational initiatives, foster strategic partnerships, and promote a comprehensive understanding of the significance of arts and culture for both social and economic well-being.

The Path Forward

This concept paper marks a pivotal step in the project’s development. Here are the next key milestones:

• Program Development: An early study was conducted through a series of Blue-Sky visioning sessions with stakeholders and community members. This led to the creation of a functional plan that lays out a series of space components for the wing. This study serves as an excellent foundation for the Centre.
• Feasibility Study: A comprehensive study will be commissioned to determine the optimal size and scale of the centre, analyze its financial viability, and assess its economic impact based on advanced community input.
• Strategic Partnerships: We will formalize an agreement with FAST and will continue to engage with StFX University and other potential partners to secure their commitment and explore opportunities for collaboration.
• Site Selection: We are actively pursuing prime, highly visible locations that are easily accessible to the community.
• Fundraising: Once the second stage feasibility study is complete, we will be ready to embark on a capital campaign. With a significant cornerstone gift from Ms. Arnold already committed, we will work with public and private funders to secure the necessary investment.

The time for a dedicated cultural centre is now. With community support, the Antigonish Arts Centre will not only solve our current infrastructure crisis but also become a legacy project that enhances the quality of life for all residents for generations to come.

Governance Structure

As the project develops and we gather insight from the Feasibility Study, we will design a collaborative governance model that balances all interests and supports the Centre’s long-term sustainability. The Performing Arts and Creative Arts Wing will manage their own daily operations separately. By co-locating two facilities, we save space and reduce capital and operating costs.

David Miller and Aida Arnold have been longtime supporters of the arts in Antigonish, collecting and displaying a notable art collection at their James Street McDonald’s restaurant for 24 years. After retiring in 2012, they continued to promote local arts through founding initiatives such as the Antigonish Art Fair and the Arts House. Sadly, David Miller passed away suddenly in 2018, and Aida continues to champion projects, actively supporting regional artists.

Festival Antigonish (FAST) is a professional summer theatre company and Theatre Antigonish (TA) is its community theatre branch. Both are based at the Bauer Theatre on the StFX campus, entertaining Antigonish audiences since 1987. The Bauer has been central to local culture for five decades but faces challenges with long-term accessibility and sustainability. Led by Caleb Marshall, FAST is planning for a new performing arts facility while maintaining and investing in the Bauer Theatre, keeping it alive.

THE LEGACY

In honouring David’s legacy Aida remains dedicated to supporting the culture of Antigonish and its economic benefits to the community. In 2022 Aida embarked on a mission to conceptualize her vision of a Centre for the Arts that would lead to its creation with a significant financial contribution.

In 2024 FAST joined forces with Aida Arnold to pursue the creation of a new Art Centre.

THE IDEA

David’s trademark phrase was “I have an idea”. In that vein, we wish to present this document as an idea, knowing that every great achievement begins with one. Through this process and with the input of others, we continue to encounter many ideas as we build this plan.

We imagine a spectacular building situated in or around the town (preferably within view from the Trans-Canada Highway) that will maintain a solid arts presence for both the community and visitors to Antigonish. The Centre will feature an art gallery and spaces for artists, dancers, musicians, performers and visitors alike, who will benefit from its many offerings and cultural promotions. It will provide a new home for the historic Bauer Theatre currently located on the StFX University campus and offer venue space for several other art entities that are limited by lack of suitable space. The Centre will become a cultural hub for Antigonish and northeastern Nova Scotia

MISSION

We aim to unite the region’s diverse cultural groups to boost public appreciation of arts and culture and enhance social and personal benefits locally and beyond. The Centre will provide a sustainable, facility for creation, performance and education celebrating the multi-layered identities of our artists and community. Our goal is to establish Antigonish as a leader in cultural development and as an attractive destination for living, working, and visiting.

OBJECTIVES – WHAT WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE

1. Create a Cultural Hub in Northeastern Nova Scotia: Complement and expand on the existing performing arts while creating capacity for creative arts
2. Support the arts: Provide opportunities for artists in the region and encourage new artists and residents through an inclusive arts community.
3. Enhance regional culture: Recognize and highlight the area’s historic and contemporary cultural diversity.
4. Offer a venue for Festival Antigonish and Theatre Antigonish.
5. Offer accessible venue space for community arts organizations: Build a space to support these groups that face the challenge of losing access to existing venues that do not meet their accessibility needs or are becoming unusable due to aging infrastructure.
6. Promote the Heritage and History of the Region
7. Promote tourism: Increase access to professional art, encouraging visits to the Centre and positioning it as a cultural reference point for the area.
8. Contribute to economic activity: Collaborate with cultural organizations to strengthen the local economy and enhance Antigonish’s appeal as a tourism destination.
9. Promote Antigonish as a desirable place to live: Foster a creative environment attractive to professionals from various fields and their families.
10. Encourage participation in the arts: Facilitate community engagement through cultural activities for all ages.
11. Provide support for artists’ livelihoods: Create additional avenues for artists to promote and sell their work.
12. Facilitate life-long learning: Develop programs accessible to all age groups and backgrounds.
13. Complement existing businesses: Cooperate with current cultural enterprises and facilities in the region.
14. Promote diversity and inclusion of all community members: Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw community, the L’Arche and CACL community, the LGBTA2S community, and various ethnic communities and newcomers.
15. Create a legacy for longstanding supporters of the arts.
16. Collaborate with StFX University: Enhance its liberal arts reputation.

TWO DISTINCT BUT ALIGNED WINGS OF THE ARTS CENTRE:

 The Centre for Performing Arts & The Centre for Creative Arts and Culture

Aida Arnold is the chief visionary lead for the Art Centre project. Together, with her assistant Tiiu Poder, they have formed the Antigonish Art Centre entity. Recently we have formed a team approach with Fenn Martin, a local artist, teacher and chair of Antigonish Culture Alive (ACA) and Andy Pumphrey, a local artist, arts advocate and member of the ACA.

This stage of the visual and creative arts component will be aligned with ACA and all development funds will be channelled through and managed by ACA.

Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre is run by Caleb Marshall, Managing Director and Andrea Boyd, Artistic Director. This is an established entity with a 50-year history, an established Board of Directors and a Foundation.

Both groups value collaboration, access, and the transformative power of the arts. In 2024, they united for a shared initiative. While each remains independent, they will co-occupy the Arts Centre as separate tenants and split costs based on space used. (Other potential tenants may be added in the future, and the project will adapt as needed)

CURRENT STRUCTURES

Festival Antigonish (FAST) is an institution with an established relationship with StFX University, a Board of Directors, and a Foundation. The primary issue facing FAST today is the need to relocate its theatre due to the Bauer theatre’s deteriorating condition and potential inability to meet safety standards in three to five years. The association with StFX will be reassessed as part of developing a new strategy.

FAST FORWARD: BLU SKY MEETINGS AND FUNCTIONAL PLAN

Through the generous support of the Province of Nova Scotia, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Aida Arnold, the FAST Forward initiative was established in 2024 by Festival Antigonish to explore a future home for the performing arts in Antigonish and came to include a general vision for Creative Arts and Culture. It resulted in community input from a series of Blue-Sky sessions that led to the Program Development piece that puts forward a functional plan for desired spaces.

OVERVIEW

The new space design will allow flexibility for sound and acoustics recognizing the varying needs for theatre vs. musical vs. symphonic performances. It will accommodate professional and amateur theatre, dance, cinema/film screenings, public lectures as well as musical performances such as the Antigonish Performing Arts series.

THE PUBLIC GALLLERY

The Art Gallery is central to the project. A public gallery, it will house a contemporary exhibition space that features professionally curated travelling exhibits of established artists from across the globe.

The gallery will not have a permanent collection.

A separate artist run gallery is also planned but may exist as part of an adjoining cultural cluster (due to cost considerations). It will support local and emerging artists by providing a venue to showcase and sell their work.

CULTURAL COMPASS FOR CULTURAL AND REGIONAL TOURISM

The reception desk at the main entrance will serve visitors by providing information about local attractions, as well as other arts-related businesses and studios. Knowledge of the area along with relevant options will encourage longer stays in Antigonish pumping up the local economy. The reception desk can be a shared resource offering ticket purchases, and reception for other entities within the centre.

THE GALLERY SHOP

             Featuring fine crafts, jewellery, art themed books, cards, and gifts. 

FUTURE POSSIBILITIES

Adjoining Studios and Workshops

The Centre might support a concentration of artist studios and general workshops for:

Ceramics, Painting, Sculpture, Woodworking, Set Design and Construction.

The Gardens

Surrounding the basic structure, a sculpture garden and gardens can evolve to be spacious enough to complement outdoor events such as the summer Arts Festival and a Christmas market.

Administrative Offices and Boardroom Rentals

For staff and management. There may be an opportunity to rent space to other entities that would benefit from a space in the centre. Associated groups in the arts such as the Culture Alive Arts Council might be contenders as well as other social, tourism and government agencies. This could provide a revenue stream for the Centre.

OUTSOURCED FEATURES – COMMERCIAL REVENUES COMPONENT

Café And Restaurant

The Centre would seek a restauranteur to rent and operate from the Centre.

Commercial and/or Catering Kitchen

To provide services for various functions. Sections could be rented by independent small businesses or by small vendors preparing goods for markets and festivals.

Art Supply Store

 On a rental basis, offer retail space and online presence to an established art supply store such as Opus Art Supplies or De Serres Art Supplies.  

THE CNETRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Concerts, Films and Live Performances

We are envisioning a multi-functional stage that works for theatrical performances as well as a host of other cultural presentations such as dance/ballet and music/opera. 

We could also offer space on a rental basis to artists, groups and organizations who may wish to hold performances on a profit or not for profit basis.

Children’s Theatre Programs

Host camps, educational programs, workshops, and events to involve and encourage children and youth from all over. One good example is the Chester Playhouse summer youth program.

Arts Events

Arts events such as book launches, readings and music CD launches.

Private Rentals

For weddings, meetings and conferences.

Fundraising Events

For the Centre and for outside interests.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

Dance and Music Academies

An opportunity may exist to create full scale educational, practice and performance spaces for several disciplines. For example, a music school, a dance school and a theatre school. Space could be rented to existing schools and professionals already operating in Antigonish and area. 

Recording Studio

With the steady growth and interest in podcasts, this could double as a space for music recording as well as podcasts.

Prizes And Awards

Recognition of cultural achievements are honoured.

THE CENTRE FOR CREATIVE ARTS AND CULTURE

Art Exhibits

Curated exhibitions will rotate and feature themes and artists. Other concepts can be incorporated into the gallery space such as early morning yoga classes (now taking place at the Louvre). Indigenous art and performances will be encouraged.

Seasonal Events

Home to events such as the summer Arts Fair, Christmas and holiday markets and indigenous gatherings such as Pow Wows.

Children’s Programs

Camps, educational programs, workshops, and events to involve and encourage children and youth from all over.

Arts Events

Arts events such as book launches, readings and music CD launches.

Community Directives

Community projects such as the Cultural Compass help visitors navigate history, adventure, nature and art.

As a not-for-profit business, run by an elected Board of Directors, the Centre will return all revenues to operations, maintenance and advanced programming. A Foundation will be established for dependable annual income sources.

Currently, we are envisioning numerous possibilities regarding ownership of the building.

1. The Town of Antigonish
2. Combined ownership by the Town and the County of Antigonish.
3. The Community
4. StFXU
5. Other

There is much to be explored through a study of best practices, jurisdictional scan, interviews, proposals and general project evolution.

EARLY STAGE FUNDING ASSUMPTIONS

The project’s initial budget goal is around $40 million dollars. Based on present estimates of approximately $1,200 – $1,500 per square foot build costs, this would translate into a building size of about 25,000 square feet.

The Commercial Segment might alter projections significantly as would rental revenues from other academies such as dance and music. The next stage Feasibility Study will reveal a realistic scale for the building size leading to a realistic budget figure.

PRIVATE FUNDING

Potential sources will be:

1. Legacy projects for community champions
2. Name Sponsorship
3. Corporate Donations
4. Sisters of St. Martha (land)
5. Individual Donations: Aida Arnold at present.
6. Bequeathed Donations

When studies are completed, and directions are clear, the next stage will be to engage a professional fundraising organization.

REVENUE GENERATION

Potential sources are:

1. Long term rental income
2. Facilities rentals for occasions
3. Membership and paid membership
4. Donations
5. Admission
6. Sponsorships
7. Program fees
8. Retail shop and gallery sales

PUBLIC FOUNDING

Potential sources are:

1. NS Dept. of Community, Culture Tourism and Heritage (CCTH)
2. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
3. Canada Council for the Arts
4. The Town of Antigonish
5. Municipality of the County of Antigonish
6. The Canada Community Building Fund
7. Parks Recreation and Health – NS Federation of Municipalities
8. R. Howard Webster foundation
9. Other

ACT1 STUDY

In 2024, with funding assistance from ACOA, FAST embarked on a study with an architectural firm from Halifax called Act 1, Consulting Services. Aida Arnold on behalf of the Arts Centre partnered with FAST/TA on two of three phases of the ACT 1 Consulting

The Blue-Sky exercise led to Phase 2 of the study, and it comprises a functional plan for the contents of the building. It’s named The Program Development phase. It lays out an expertly prepared plan that details individual spaces designed to occupy the Arts Centre facility.

Performing Arts: The study recommends a flexible medium sized mainstage theatre of 300 – 350 seats. This size received the strongest support from the community and is seen as the most sustainable option avoiding the high operating costs of larger venues.

Visual Arts: The plan constitutes a wing that includes two galleries, one being an artist run gallery plus dedicated spaces for art studios and creation labs.

Shared Spaces: Featuring public areas like a lobby, café and gallery shop among other retail spaces as well as shared offices and meeting rooms.

The facility’s design emphasizes multi-use and modular infrastructure to support year-round programming and diverse art forms.

FEASABILITY STUDY

We are now embarking on a formal Feasibility Study.

Based on the concepts in this document we have entered into preliminary stages with Lord Cultural Resources LCR, who have worked extensively in Atlantic Canada with the Art Gallery of NS, NSCAD University and many museums. We will collaborate with LCR consultants every step of the way providing community input and experience.

The Feasibility Study will encompass a comprehensive jurisdictional scan of arts venues and their proportion to regional demographics. This will help us to right size the project for present and for future population growth. It will also help us to understand current trends and their success ratios.

Advance the Feasibility Study and Rationale: Given that the Bauer Theatre relocation is now central to the Arts Centre plan, we are keen to align with the developments taking place through the Act 1 Plan. Their research has disclosed pertinent knowledge and information that will help build the rationale for a regional arts centre and establish the principles to justify the creation of it. 

Jurisdictional Scan of Comparable Entities: Study best practices among other similar size towns/communities across Atlantic Canada, Canada and the USA. Document their successes and failures and plan accordingly. 

Statistical Analysis: Study statistics across Canada among similar size towns/communities to gain an understanding of the impacts of population and demographics on a project of this scale.

Ethnic Markets: Study the growing ethnic markets in the region and the opportunities they bring.

Tourism Statistics: Define the numbers and origins of visitors and tourists. Impact of university. Impact of cultural tourism.

Situation Analysis: Conduct and in-depth study/inventory of existing cultural amenities and services in the region and highlight their funding and sustainability measures and potential connectivity to the arts centre. Identify gaps in performing arts venues and public art galleries in northern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton and build a case for the formation of a cultural hub in the region. Investigate municipal support for arts and culture. What do they support, currently and what is the annual budget for that support? Determine if a need exists for general office space rentals.

Needs Assessment: Work with economic development agencies and cultural organizations to determine what is lacking in the region and what is needed. 

SWOT Analysis

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

PEST Analysis

Political, Economic, Societal and Technical trends that will impact the project

Program Development/Functional Plan: Analyze the size and scale of the building and the specific rooms and spaces. Right size the plan.

SITE SELECTION

Aida is actively pursuing real estate possibilities that would meet the criteria of visibility, accessibility, size and practicality. She has discerned that the most favourable site is one that belongs to StFX and is directly across West St. from the main entrance to the university. Another site on campus is also being examined.

COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

At this stage, the Arts Centre initiative is known to the community, but information has not been widely circulated. We will start a campaign of inclusivity for all potential stakeholders.

WEBSITE: THE ANTIGONISH ART EXCHANGE www.aartex.ca

Soon to be launched, the website will serve as a collaborative blog for Antigonish arts groups, sharing events, activities, and general updates about the Art Centre project. Its goal is to keep the community informed, build local support, and promote inclusivity. Information will be shared through multiple channels, emphasizing the value of a vibrant cultural scene and featuring profiles of key contributors. Community involvement at all levels is encouraged for the project’s success.

Over the past three and a half years, Aida and Tiiu have steadily conducted many meetings with potential stakeholders who have all indicated a high-level support for a major regional Art Centre in Antigonish, home of StFX University. At this stage the project may appear overly ambitious, but the feasibility study will help to set priorities, establish relationships and actualize a realistic size and scale for this community.

This concept paper is a condensed version of a working draft document that is regularly updated to collect information and feedback.