Province Supports Study to Develop Centre for Cape Breton's Creative Sector

The province is investing in a study to develop a centre for Cape Breton-based artists and their organizations to work, rehearse, collaborate and perform in the heart of their community.

The province and Cape Breton Regional Municipality are working with New Dawn Enterprises in undertaking a Future Uses Study that will look at the conversion of the recently purchased former Holy Angels Convent and High School in Sydney into a Centre for Arts, Creativity and Innovation.

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele was joined by Cape Breton Nova MLA Gordie Gosse, Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke and representatives from New Dawn Enterprises for a site tour, today, July 23.

"The study is an important step for New Dawn to develop a plan to support Cape Bretoners working in the arts and culture sector, as well as those launching or running innovative businesses," said Mr. Steele.

The vision for the proposed centre includes a mixed-use space for working, performing and gathering, which will help preserve the rich history of the site. It will support the creative economy of Cape Breton by providing artists of all mediums with office, studio, rehearsal, performance, and gallery spaces. It will also look to connect the many and diverse talents of Cape Breton artists and performers with community members of all ages through education and community programs.

"This study will help us to better understand how the centre can be of use to artists and businesses looking to forge new relationships and to undertake new art forms and productions," said New Dawn president, Rankin MacSween. "It will allow us, in a more formal way, to begin conversations with the community about their vision for such a centre and ways it can improve access to the arts and quality of life for all."

The study will examine the site's capacity to provide a common workplace for promoting collaboration in and among the creative fields, technology and new media industries, education and community programming, and business.

"The historic Holy Angels site is in the heart of our city," said Mayor Clarke. "CBRM's support for this study will help ensure a successful transition to a new purpose as part of Cape Breton's vibrant creative economy."

The province is contributing $80,000 to the study. Cape Breton Regional Municipality is contributing $20,000.