Resources
Are you interested in joining a local arts group, looking for funding, or info on organizations that support the arts? You’ll find it all here.
Provincial funding agency that provides support to professional artists and arts organizations, arts education programs and a number of arts awards and prizes.
Atlantic Film Makers Cooperative
AFCOOP’s filmmaking grants support the production of local independent films through in-kind equipment and resources. There are grants that are open to the public as well as some that are only open to AFCOOP Full Members.
We’re proud to be Canada’s public arts funder. We champion and invest in artistic excellence through our grants, services, prizes and payments to Canadian artists and arts organizations.
Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
A variety of funding programs, grants and awards are available for individuals and organizations in Nova Scotia. By investing in innovation, creativity and arts, these programs help industries succeed, create jobs, support artists and enhance our communities.
Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation
The purpose of the Foundation is to aid talented artists in the early stages of their careers. Awards are limited to candidates working in the following: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture.
We are a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance toward the growth and development of the Canadian music industry.
John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation
The Foundation offers Fellowships to further the development of scholars and artists by assisting them to engage in research in any field of knowledge and creation in any of the arts, under the freest possible conditions and irrespective of race, color, or creed.
Money for Women/Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, Inc.
Grants of up to $1,500 to poets, fiction and nonfiction writers, visual artists, and for a mixed-genre category (illustration and text) to feminist women in the arts.
Music Nova Scotia is a non-profit organization that has worked since 1989 with a mandate to encourage the creation, development, growth and promotion of Nova Scotia’s music industry.
Promotes excellence in sculpture that is inspired by the natural world. Programs include Sculpture Review magazine, the SculptureNews e-bulletin, scholarships, grants, exhibitions and competitions.
Through the generosity of the late Lee Krasner, one of the leading abstract expressionist painters and the widow of Jackson Pollock, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation was established in 1985 to provide financial assistance to individual working visual artists of established ability.
In 2002, the Sobey Art Foundation created the Sobey Art Award and, in the few short years since its introduction, it has become Canada’s preeminent award for contemporary Canadian art.
SOCAN serves music creators, music publishers, and visual artists, ensures users are licensed to play, and collects/distributes royalties in Canada and worldwide.
We are a registered charity that provides scholarships to Nova Scotians who demonstrate exceptional potential and commitment to become established artists in their chosen fields.
A Cultural Hub for Pictou County
We have a wonderful opportunity to create a vibrant new community hub that gathers together people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities around creativity, culture, education, and community well-being.
The Carillon Singers are an ensemble of professional and amateur female musicians, under the direction of Vivi Chediac with pianist Karen Crowley.
Curious Crow’s is a community coffee house showcasing local ingredients and Nova Scotia roasted beans. Visit us to enjoy fresh coffee & baked goods in a cozy, welcoming space that features local artists.
Made up of all local people – including doctors, teachers, nurses – who act together for fun, Curtain Call Players has staged productions in the past as fundraisers for the Aberdeen Hospital Auxiliary and Early Intervention.
The Heatherbell Pipes and Drums band is a youth band consisting of members under the age of 18. We are always accepting new members.
IGNITE is Nova Scotia’s rural innovation hub where entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses work together. By providing structure, mentorship, and opportunities for startups to create, grow, and operate, IGNITE is encouraging everyone to explore entrepreneurship as a career path without restrictions.
The Mentoring Plus Strategy draws upon the skills and knowledge of the retired and near retired (55+) population, to help support individuals (16 plus) to explore and connect to career paths including the cultural sector. Local seasoned artists are paired with budding artists… painters, sculptors, musicians, writers, designers, actors. Let’s face it… artists almost never really ‘retire’…! They remain passionate about what they do and they have experience to share with you. They may share a cup of coffee with you to hear your wish list or participate in group mentoring.
New Glasgow Youth Theater Society
A company of young actors from the New Glasgow and surrounding area dedicated to creating quality theatre productions.
Our monthly program may consist of the following: speakers, demonstrations, trunk shows, and other quilting interests. The program portion of our monthly meeting may be presented by a guild member, someone from a different guild or another person from the quilting world.
Pictou Antigonish Regional Library
Nova Scotians benefit in so many ways by having access to public libraries across the province. You may be a student who relies on your library for research, or a parent who has enrolled a child in a reading club. Maybe you can’t wait to borrow the latest bestseller or download something new for your e-reader. Everyday, libraries are places to meet others, share ideas and learn. Whether you want to get involved in a public library program, enjoy free computer access or indulge your love of reading, your library is always there for you. It’s no wonder public libraries mean so much to Nova Scotians.
Pictou County Artists Association
PCAA is a long standing association of artists, professional to beginner, whose goal it is to promote the development of artistic interests within our county.
To foster appreciation, promotion, preservation and enjoyment of the blues in all of its forms in Pictou County and Northern Nova Scotia.
Pictou County Highland Dance Association
The Pictou County Highland Dancing Association (PCHDA) is a volunteer operated non-profit organization that promotes highland dancing in Pictou County.
Hello Friends & Fellow Musicians! Pictou County has always been well known across the board for it’s Talent and Music ability. With this Group together let’s share each others Photos, Video’s & Upcoming Engagements! Rock on!
Pictou County Pop Classic is musical theatre company formed from the cover musician collective in Pictou County playing Top Billboard Classics.
Our primary mandate is to support and grow a sustainable and thriving economy here in Pictou County.
Pictou County Writers – New and Experienced
Where local writers can share, brainstorm and tell others about their books.
Provides a place for photography enthusiasts to learn and review basic camera skills, be inspired, make new friends and talk all things photography!
The Pictou County Chamber of Commerce, established in 1983, is an integral part of the Pictou County community, with strong connections to all businesses, all levels of government, the educational system and other community organizations. Creative PC has a full membership with the Chamber as a Not For Profit organization. This means that any member of Creative PC can register and participate in any Chamber events! You are also able to sign up for their news letters. Just go to their website to see the calendar of events. Registration is required for most of them.
The Thistle Quilt Guild is a dynamic and fun group of ladies who make beautiful quilts and quilted products and have a great time doing so.
The Westville Heritage Art Group is a group of artists who meet on Tuesday afternoons to create together.
A new holistic platform for Nova Scotian artisans art :) from workshops and lectures to associations and shows we strive to share the world of local art.
African Nova Scotian Music Association
ANSMA is a non- profit organization dedicated to the development, promotion and enrichment of African Nova Scotian Music.
The directory provides basic information, including a location map, and links to individual websites and social media for easy access to each centre’s full scope of activities.
Atlantic Federation of Musicians
We are Local 571 of the Canadian Federation of Musicians, the largest organization of its kind representing professional musicians.
The Association of Artist-Run Centres from the Atlantic was incorporated in 2005 to support and promote the activities of artist-run centres in Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Black Artist Network of Nova Scotia
A non-profit, professional artist association seeking to develop African-Nova Scotian artists, and increase their representation in Canada’s mainstream arts & culture.
Visual Arts Call for Submissions
This group is welcome to any visual artists living in Nova Scotia. This community can be used for exchanging opportunities, resources or news with one another.
Cape Breton Center for Craft and Design
The mandate of Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is to promote excellence in the field of craft and design through education and training, exhibitions and special events. We are committed to developing programs that preserve, elevate, expand, and enhance the creation of craft.
CARFAC Maritimes, established in 2003, is the regional affiliate representing New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. We share the mandate and goals of CARFAC, bringing support and services to professional visual artists in the Maritimes.
To provide marketing opportunities for Atlantic Provinces producers of quality craft, apparel and giftware products.
A non-profit that works to encourage and promote both the craft movement in Nova Scotia and the public awareness and appreciation of craft products and activities.
Early Music Society of Nova Scotia
A music society dedicated to opening lines of communication related to early music activities within the community, nurturing early music making at all levels, encouraging performance opportunities, and building audiences that enjoy early music.
“It is the ECMA’s mission to develop, advance and celebrate East Coast Canadian music, its artists and its industry professionals throughout the region and around the world. We advocate for our members to ensure they can sustain music careers while based in Canada’s Atlantic region.”
This website has been created to be a listings website for the Maritime Provinces. If you’re interested in finding out about art events, gallery shows, classes and workshops, calls for artists and more check out our listings page. You can also subscribe to our daily email which will send you any new listings on the site. If you have any kind of art news, event, sale etc. we would love to have you share it on the site! Please register as a member (it’s free) and you will be able to post your own listings.
A non-profit organization that has worked since 1989 with a mandate to encourage the creation, development, growth and promotion of Nova Scotia’s music industry.
The Nova Scotia Basketry Guild’s (NSBG) mandate is to share information about basketry, to promote an awareness of basketry to the community-at-large, to promote the preservation of traditional Nova Scotia basketry techniques and to promote the development of contemporary basketry techniques.
A place to see the fine work of our region’s clay artists, to locate potters near you, or to find classes. Browse and Enjoy!
Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia
To promote the art and craft of traditional rug hooking, through participation and sharing of information; and in the process, preserve it for posterity.
Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia
Whether you’re interested in rug hooking, felting, weaving, spinning, knitting or crocheting, there are locally produced fibres you can use to create beauty.
The Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative
AFCOOP is a non-profit, community organization dedicated to supporting the production and presentation of independent films and moving image based work in a collaborative, learning environment.
The Atlantic Spinners and Handweavers
Established by a group of local weavers in 1970 and provides the opportunity for weavers, spinners and dyers living in the Halifax area and beyond, to meet in a social atmosphere, to exchange information, learn new techniques and methods and share their interests.
The Khyber’s mandate is to present contemporary visual art, which exists in a wide variety of disciplines. We challenge traditional gallery conventions, encourage public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through responsive and relevant programming.
An artist-run organization incorporated in 1976 to support and promote artists while advocating for the visual arts sector in Nova Scotia.
Writers Federation of Nova Scotia
WFNS is an arts service organization founded on a collaborative philosophy: writers helping writers.
Associated Designers of Canada
Incorporated in 1965, Associated Designers of Canada is a national, professional non-profit arts service organization dedicated to representing the interests of set, costume, lighting, projection and sound designers working in the live performing arts in Canada.
Canada Independent Music Association
CIMA is the not-for-profit national trade association representing the English-language, Canadian-owned sector of the music industry. CIMA’s membership consists of Canadian-owned companies and representatives of Canadian-owned companies involved in every aspect of the music, sound recording and music-related industries.
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
CAEA We is a national association representing almost 6,000 artists working in theatre, opera and dance from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Equity’s membership includes performers, directors, choreographers, fight directors and stage managers.
Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens
CARFAC is incorporated federally as a non-profit corporation that is the national voice of Canada’s professional visual artists. As a non-profit association and a National Art Service Organization, our mandate is to promote the visual arts in Canada, to promote a socio-economic climate that is conducive to the production of visual arts in Canada, and to conduct research and engage in public education for these purposes.
As a Federation of organizations, the Canadian Crafts Federation works with the Provincial and Territorial Craft Councils and affiliate organization to unite, enrich, empower and celebrate the professional contemporary craft sector through collaborative action, networking, and community development.
CDA is the voice of the professional dance sector in Canada and promotes a healthy, sustainable environment in which professional dance practice can grow and thrive. CDA cultivates a strong national voice for Canadian professional dance and supports the development of resources for this field of artistic expression. Through conferences, workshops, and networking events we connect the dance community from coast to coast, building a cohesive and dynamic milieu.
Canadian Federation of Musicians
The Canadian Federation of Musicians helps thousands of musicians who need assistance with any number of issues related to the recording and performing of their craft. With specialized services ranging from immigration, media recordings, symphonic and theatrical matters, touring, freelance musicians and membership services, contract negotiations and administration, royalty streams, and more, CFM helps its membership take best advantage of all career opportunities and optimize the level of their professional working environment.
Canadian Senior Artists’ Resource Network
As the voice of Canada’s senior artists, CSARN works to ensure that their creativity and vibrancy are valued, and to encourage the ongoing contributions made to Canadian life by these seasoned, diverse, and resilient artists.
Dancer Transition Resource Centre
Helping dancers make necessary transitions into, within, and from professional performing careers since 1985.
Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF)
Basée à Ottawa, la Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF) valorise et défend depuis plus de 40 ans la place des arts et de la culture dans l’espace francophone canadien et acadien.
Independent Media Arts Alliance
IMAA is a member-driven non-profit national organization working to advance and strengthen the media arts community in Canada. Representing over 100 independent film, video, audio, and new media production, distribution, and exhibition organizations in all parts of the country, the IMAA serves over 16,000 independent media artists and cultural workers.
Through a unified Indigenous tourism industry voice, ITAC focuses on marketing, product development support, and creating partnerships between associations, organizations, government departments and industry leaders from across Canada to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada.
The League’s mission is to develop the art of poetry; to enhance the status of poets and nurture a professional poetic community; to facilitate the teaching of Canadian poetry at all levels of education; to enlarge the audience for poetry by encouraging publication, performance and recognition of Canadian poetry nationally and internationally; to uphold freedom of expression.
Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas
LMDA founded in 1985 as the volunteer membership organization for the professions of literary management and dramaturgy. LMDA is a not-for-profit tax-exempt organization with members throughout North America and abroad.
Canada’s public film producer and distributor, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) creates social-issue documentaries, auteur animation, and digital content, providing the world with a unique Canadian perspective.
As a national arts service organization, we offer over twenty-five programs that promote and protect playwrights. Through this work, we also provide many opportunities for the public to access, explore, and enjoy the work of playwrights.
Nova Scotia Legislature; An Act to Respect the Status of the Artist
The Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists, East Chapter
CADA/East is a not-for-profit organization that supports and educates its membership of independent dance artists, promoting the use of best practices within an evolving sector.
The Canadian Federation of Musicians
Helps thousands of musicians who need assistance with any number of issues related to the recording and performing of their craft.
The WGC celebrates and promotes its members, from hosting the annual WGC Screenwriting Awards and publishing Canadian Screenwriter magazine, to administering contracts and advising producers on how to engage professional screenwriters.
The national organization of professionally published writers.