Creative Pictou County is beyond thrilled to present the inaugural Economic Development Forum for Artists: Becoming an Art Town!
This event will bring together community leaders, artists, movers and shakers, policy makers and anyone who wishes to see their hometown become a vibrant cultural hub. We hope you will join us!
FRIDAY, JUNE 7th
Mingle, Munchies, & Mocktails | 5:30 PM – 7 PM
LOCATION: Pictou Community New Horizons | 14 Kempt Street, Pictou
Join us for an unforgettable evening of connection and camaraderie at our kick-off Meet & Greet event, hosted by Creative Pictou County. As a special offering to all workshop attendees, this event is free of charge to attend. A selection of mocktails will be available for purchase.
Mingle with fellow artists and businesspersons attending the Becoming an Art Town Forum. Forge meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and kindle inspiration. Whether seasoned or just starting, engage in conversations to spark innovation and share experiences.
At Creative Pictou County, we believe in the power of community. Let’s raise a glass, indulge in fine cheese, and embark on a journey of exploration. Don’t miss this chance to network with like-minded individuals.
Admission: Free for workshop participants, however, please register for the event by selecting the Meet & Greet + Workshop ticket type.
Bonus Event: Weather permitting, after our mixer, all are invited to join us at the Caladh Marquee waterfront site nearby. There, you can unwind by the waterfront, basking in the glow of a bonfire and drawing inspiration from the serene surroundings.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8th
Becoming an Art Town: Economic Development Forum for Artists
LOCATION: Pictou Community New Horizons | 14 Kempt Street, Pictou
Join us for an enriching forum presented by Creative Pictou County on Becoming an Art Town. Our morning kicks off with an engaging panel discussion featuring esteemed community champions. Following this, delve into a full day of exploration during our ‘Becoming an Art Town’ workshop, led by the experienced Paul Portelli. As a sculptor, gallery owner, and seasoned community leader, Paul brings invaluable insights into transforming communities into vibrant art destinations.
Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from Paul’s expertise, drawing from his successful endeavours in revitalizing Warkworth, Ontario, into a thriving art hub. His unique blend of artistic vision, business acumen, and community engagement has empowered towns to embrace their cultural heritage and foster artistic expression.
In addition to the workshop sessions, participants can enjoy a leisurely lunch break, walking tours, and local sightseeing, immersing themselves in the rich culture and heritage of the Town of Pictou. (NOTE: Attendees will receive a 10% discount on their meals when showing their ticket at local Pictou restaurants.)
The event will take place at the Pictou Community New Horizons, situated at 14 Kempt Street, Pictou, NS. Registration will open from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, welcoming all those eager to embark on the journey of transforming their community into a thriving art town.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8th
Morgan Toney
LOCATION: Pictou Legion | 130 Veterans Dr., Pictou
Join us in celebrating the closing of the forum by experiencing a captivating performance filled with brilliance and heart by 2024 JUNO-Nominated Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer, Morgan Toney as he brings the fiery fiddling of Cape Breton Island with the old songs of the Mi’kmaq Peoples. Presented in partnership with deCoste Performing Arts Centre.
Facilitator & Speaker Bios
Eric Stackhouse
Eric Stackhouse is Chief Librarian of the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library. He has worked in libraries for over 40 years and has a strong passion for the role libraries can play in community development. Another passion is placemaking, having been involved for over 20 years now. Eric has received numerous awards, including the Norman Horrocks Award for Library Leadership and the CAPL Outstanding Public Library Service Award.
Michelle Young
Born and raised in our coastal community, Michelle’s upbringing instilled in her an appreciation for Pictou’s rich heritage and strong community spirit. Over the past eighteen years she has worked for the Town of Pictou in several capacities, more recently as the Town’s Community Development Officer. In her current position, she is responsible for initiating and coordinating various projects, programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, promoting economic development, and preserving the town’s cultural heritage. Michelle serves on various boards including Atlantic Canada Cruise Association representing the small ports of Atlantic Canada and promoting Pictou County as a cruise destination.
Troy Greencorn
Troy has spent much of his career working in culture-based economic and tourism-based community development. He is the Executive Director of the deCoste Performing Arts Centre in Pictou, Nova Scotia. This 400-seat facility, which presents over 100 events each year, is just emerging from a $15+M expansion that sees it emerge as a culture hub in close partnership with the Pictou Antigonish Regional Library and other municipal and community partners. Troy is also the founder/producer of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, now into its 27th year. “Stanfest”, as it has come to be known, is an international songwriter’s festival that presents a roster of over 40 accomplished artists/acts from a wide range of genres. The event is hosted annually in Canso, Nova Scotia.
Crystal Murray
Crystal Murray is President of Advocate Media and Metro Guide Publishing and Advocate Media U.S.A. She is also the Award-winning Editor in Chief of Saltscapes Magazine and the U.S. based publication Maine Home and Design. Through her editorials as well as her corporate and community leadership, Crystal has been a passionate champion for community.
However, her passion for community extends well past her writing. She is currently chair of the deCoste Centre for the Performing Arts and co-chair of the Pictou Cultural Hub fundraising committee and a member of the public art committee for the new Cultural Hub. She is the 2024 Chair of the Atlantic Journalism Awards and member of the Diabetes Canada National Pump Couture program. She is past executive member of Newspapers Atlantic. She served as President of the former Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County where she led the initiative to create what is now the Children’s Aid Endowment at the Aberdeen Health Foundation. She was President of the Pictou County YMCA, a founding member and past Chair of 100 Women Who Care Pictou County as well as many other charities, nonprofits and sporting organizations. She is an advocate for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, social justice and the arts.
But most importantly she is the proud mum to four amazing young adults, Ben, Mac, Georgia and Tess.
Wade Tibbo
CEO of Pictou County Partnership
Wade Tibbo serves as the CEO of the Pictou County Partnership, where his passion for community economic development in rural Nova Scotia shines. Wade is dedicated to enhancing the prosperity of Pictou County, a commitment that aligns with his deep roots in Guysborough County and a decade-long residence in the Annapolis Valley. Since 2022, Pictou County has been his home. Wade’s leadership journey includes significant roles such as serving on the board of the Annapolis Chamber of Commerce and VON Annapolis Valley, and as a former Rotarian. Previously, he led Careforce Home Health Care Cooperative and contributed to the NS Cooperative Council. With a background in commercial banking, insurance, and risk management, Wade brings a wealth of experience to his current role, aiming to foster growth and innovation within the community.
Agenda – Saturday, June 8th
9:30am-10:00am – Registration
10:00am -10:15am– Welcome by Creative Pictou County Executive Director Carissa Ainslie
10:15am-11:15am – Community Champions Panel
- Eric Stackhouse | Chief Librarian for the Pictou, Antigonish Regional Library
- Michelle Young | Community Development Officer for the Town of Pictou
- Crystal Murray | Editor In Chief Saltscapes Magazine and President of Advocate Media
- Troy Greencorn | Executive Director for deCoste Performing Arts Centre
- Moderator – Wade Tibbo | CEO of Pictou County Partnership
To start off the day, a panel of community champions will present new and exciting projects in the works for Pictou County, and how they were made possible by partnerships and community connections.
11:15am – 11:30am – Break
11:30am-1:00pm –Paul Portelli and Becoming an Art Town Part One
The arts play a significant role in creating an economy and recently the “Creative Economy” has become the new kid on the economic development block. Through the experiences of one Ontario community we look at how the arts and the creative economy intersect and how Community development can support these sectors and help build vibrant communities.
Topics to be covered:
- Creative economy
- Creative places
- Cultural resources/assets
- Location
- Festivals and events
- Experiences
- Blending arts and culture with other sectors
- Collaborative Efforts and Marketing Pictou as a Destination for Unique Experiences
- Experience packages
- Arts Councils
1:00pm-2:30pm – Lunch
10% discount at:
Waterview Restaurant
Marina Bar & Grill
Stone Soup Café
Nook & Cranny
Harbour House – Ales & Spirits
Fat Tony’s
2:30pm-4:00pm Paul Portelli and Becoming an Art Town Part Two
Topics to be covered:
- Marketing a Community
- Branding/Logo
- Collaborative Marketing
- Teamwork
- Consumer Behaviour/Components
- Marketing
4:00pm – 4:15pm – Final remarks by board chair Dr. Vivianne LaRiviere
4:15pm – 5:15pm – Local walking tour of Pictou
Morgan Toney at the Pictou Legion | 130 Veterans Dr, Pictou | 7:30pm
Thank you to our sponsors!
Local Accommodations
| Name | # of Rooms | Address | Community | Phone | Coastal Listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fossil Farms Oceanside Retreat | 7 | 160 McVicar Lane | Egerton | 902-759-0366 | Fossil Farms |
| McLeod’s Beachfront Cottages | 2 | 71 Dunvegan Lane | Marshville | 902-890-4434 | |
| Ocean Sunset Chalets | 6 | 72 Amet View Lane | Marshville | 902-897-7644 | Ocean Sunset Chalets |
| Comfort Inn New Glasgow | 63 | 740 Westville Road | New Glasgow | 902-755-6450 | Comfort Inn |
| Travelodge Suites New Glasgow | 62 | 700 Westville Road | New Glasgow | 902-928-1333 | Travelodge |
| Riverside Inn | 7 | 47 Riverside Street | New Glasgow | 902-616-4828 | |
| Barra Shores | 1 | 41 Weir Road | Lower Barney’s River | 902-863-7756 | Barra Shores |
| Braeside Country Inn | 18 | 126 Front Street | Pictou | 902-485-5046 | Braeside |
| Brenda’s Place to Stay Bed & Breakfast | 1 | 160 Haliburton Road | Pictou | 902-485-8653 | |
| Customs House Inn | 8 | 38 Depot Street | Pictou | 902-485-4546 | |
| Dolan’s Inn & Suites | 31 | 168 West River Road | Pictou | 902-485-1337 | |
| Lionstone Inn, Motel & Cottages | 33 | 241 West River Road | Pictou | 902-485-4157 | Lionstone |
| Seabank House Bed and Breakfast | 4 | 68 Front St | Pictou | 902-485-4775 | Seabank |
| The Scotsman Inn | 10 | 78 Coleraine Street | Pictou | 902-485-1433 | |
| Willow House Inn | 6 | 11 Willow Street | Pictou | 902-485-5740 | Willow House |
| Kirribilli EcoRetreat – Pictou Island Yurts | 4 | 715 Pictou Island Road | Pictou Island | 902-497-5004 | |
| The Hayloft | 1 | 365 Cemetery Rd. | River John | 902-401-2331 | |
| Smith Rock Lodge & Chalets | 22 | 310 Fitzpatrick Mountain Road | Scotsburn | 902-485-4799 | Smith Rock |
| Holiday Inn Express Stellarton–New Glasgow | 125 | 86 Lawrence Boulevard | Stellarton | 902-755-1020 | Holiday Inn |
| Waterview Rooms | 2 | 1338 Shore Road | Waterside | 902-331-0010 | |
| Emily’s Oceanside Cottages | 9 | 7 Eric Romkey Lane | Seafoam | 902-489-1035 |