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The Inverness County Centre for the Arts is a unique venue
suited to a variety of exhibitions and events. The 8, 640 square
foot centre is located in a tranquil setting, and has ample
parking to accommodate large groups.
Our professional exhibition space showcases the talents of local and
world-renowned artists. The gallery includes a large gallery
with an observation balcony and adjacent gray gallery. We offer
a spacious, naturally lit studio to host seminars,
demonstrations, and instructional classes. The inspiring ocean
views make the studio a perfect setting for private studio
space.
Our large reception room is designed to accommodate a number of
occasions, including
meetings, conferences, luncheons, social gatherings, and musical
performances. The space includes a raised performance stage,
complete catering kitchen, bar, state-of-the-art audio and video
equipment, and several full-length windows.
The Inverness County Council of the Arts (ICCA) is a
charitable, not-for-profit organization established in 1984 with
a vision: to nurture, enable, and promote the artistic
expression and fulfillment of all people.
ICCA
is comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors, a full-time
staff of four, and a large membership and volunteer base. These
individuals place a high value on arts, culture, and heritage.
Over the years, ICCA has been involved in various art exhibits,
musical and theatrical performances, and cultural education
opportunities. Until last year, ICCA had a permanent location
for their administrative offices, but were without a
presentation and performance space to call their own.
In 1996, ICCA partnered with Human Resources Development of Canada
on the Heritage Arts Research Project to conduct a survey. A
focus group of 70 people and 460 randomly selected households
were questioned about their desirability of having a centre for
arts, culture, and heritage in Inverness County. Results found
96% of respondents were supportive.
And
so it began; the project of creating the Inverness County Centre
for the Arts was underway. The vision for the centre was to
create a versatile presentation and performance venue, taking
into consideration the needs and desires of county residents.
Construction of the centre began in January 2002, on a hilltop
in the small village of Inverness. Over a year later, the 8,640
square foot centre was complete. The building includes ICCA's
administrative offices, a large gallery, the Inverness C.A.P.
Site, a multi-purpose reception room with a raised performance
stage, a complete catering kitchen and bar and the Third Meadow
gallery shop
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A
Closer Look at ICCA's History
1979
ICCA developed a vision: to nurture, enable, and promote the
artistic
expression and fulfillment of all people.
1984
ICCA received their registered charity status.
1996
ICCA began exploring the concept of a major arts centre through
its
Heritage Arts Resource Project (HARP). The first artists'
database was created for the county.
1996
A survey was conducted to explore the desirability of creating a
centre for
arts, culture, and heritage in Inverness County. Results of the
survey found approximately 96% of respondents were in favor of
the idea.
1999
ICCA organized and hosted Conference Call 1999, a seminar for
artists,
educators, political representatives, and community developers
in Inverness County. This large event was a major step in
defining the role and need for a centre for the arts.
1999
ICCA and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) began
discussing the feasibility of constructing an arts centre in
Inverness County. ICCA was required to demonstrate with
confidence and certainty that it could sustain the operations of
such a place.
1999/2000
ICCA partnered with Nova Scotia Community Services (NSCS) and
Human Resources Development of Canada in a professional
development program. Six NSCS clients participated in a work
program, during which they refined their skills in writing,
crafts, and visual arts.
2002
Construction of the Inverness County Centre for the Arts began.
2003
ICCA moved their administrative offices into the Inverness
County Centre for the Arts.
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