The Race is on . . .

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Hello everyone,

I know it has been a while since I posted an update.  There wasn’t much to share that I felt would be worth reporting, unless you really wanted to know that I did some research on board structures for community non-profits.  See, really not exciting or newsworthy.  Well, that has all changed.  The research and efforts to find a physical space really has been a marathon, with frequent breaks for recharging. The race is on again.  Well, it's more like a friendly, purpose-driven stroll with friends to a shared destination.

 I attended the Bluesky Visioning session hosted by Aida Arnold, Tiiu Poder, and Act 1 Consulting on February 17, 2025.  It was like a caffeine-fueled brainstorming party with artists, art groups, and art lovers of all stripes!

Since then, Antigonish Centre for the Arts Advocacy Group, led by Aida Arnold in collaboration with Act 1 Consulting was created.  They're chatting with Festival Antigonish! Which brings me to… (drumroll please)… some news from Caleb Marshall, Festival Antigonish's managing director. (More on that in a sec.)

 As you will read in Caleb’s message below, Bauer Theatre, a key arts space here, has an expiration date. The Arts House is bursting at the seams. Think waiting lists, delayed programs, and friendly fights over limited storage space. It's like trying to seat a party of ten at a table for two. We need a bigger, more flexible space – something that can handle dance, music, theatre, film, visual arts... you name it!

Antigonish Vision for the Arts has grown and shrunk, as needed, from a core team of nine to yours truly, keeping the fires burning until we need more volunteers.   Throughout this journey, collaboration over competition has been one of the guiding principles.  This is one of the shared principles that inspired the Bluesky Visioning session, the creation of the Antigonish Centre for the Arts Advocacy Group, discussions with Festival Antigonish, and outreach to various artists and art organizations.

Now,  AVA (that's us!) is figuring out how we can best support this awesome group. We've already shared with them the survey results from June 2024 (thanks to everyone who participated!), and I'll keep you posted on all the updates.

And, with that spirit of collaboration in mind, here's a message from Caleb Marshall, Managing Director at Festival Antigonish:

Dear Friends of the Arts,

When a community cares deeply about its theatre, word gets around quickly—especially in a small town like ours. We know there’s been plenty of talk, speculation, and questions about the future of the Bauer Theatre. So, we want to share directly with you what’s happening and invite you to be part of shaping what comes next. Just as ‘Home is where the heart is,’ we believe ‘Theatre is where the art is.’ It’s not just about a building; it’s about a place where our community gathers, connects, and experiences powerful moments together. For many of you, the Bauer Theatre holds memories of standing ovations, laughter, tears, and a whole lot of heart. But the truth is, while the Bauer has served us well, its lifespan is coming to an end. With increasing safety challenges and an aging structure, we’re actively planning for a new beginning.

This is not an ending. It’s a new chapter.

A Vision for the Future

Imagine a space where theatre, music, dance, film, and community events intersect and thrive—a state-of-the-art cultural hub that’s accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. We are in the early stages of envisioning just that.

Here’s what’s already in motion: 

Our Feasibility Study is underway, exploring potential sites, facility needs, and strategic opportunities. 

We’ve partnered with the Antigonish Centre for the Arts Advocacy Group, led by Aida Arnold, to ensure a collaborative, multi-arts approach. 

A Steering Committee of community leaders and arts champions is being formed to guide this vision forward. We are engaging with government, institutional, and private stakeholders to build broad support. (If you haven’t heard from us yet—don’t worry, you will soon!)

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the arts landscape in Antigonish.

Your Input is Essential

To create a space that truly reflects the needs and dreams of our community, we need to hear from YOU. We’re launching a New Facility Survey to gather insights and feedback from artists, organizations, and community members.

Your responses will directly influence decisions about:

The kinds of spaces and features the new facility should include.

Programming that reflects our community’s diverse interests.

How we can best support artists, educators, and audiences alike.

How You Can Help

Take the Survey: Your feedback is invaluable. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey linked below. Every opinion matters!

Share the Survey: Forward this email, share the link on social media, and encourage your networks to have their say.

Stay Engaged: This is just the beginning. We’ll be sharing updates, hosting community consultations, and inviting you to be part of the conversation.

This will take time. It will take vision. And it will take all of us. Let’s come together to build a cultural home that celebrates the arts, supports our artists, and strengthens the fabric of our community for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey!

With gratitude and anticipation,

Caleb Marshall

Managing Director, Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre

On behalf of the New Facility Steering Committee

Take the Survey