The provincial government is launching a yearlong tour or new collectionArtNB acquisitions.
An exhibition is starting in Grand-Bouctouche and will travel to various cultural centres around New Brunswick.
“These acquisitions reflect the richness, diversity and creativity of artistic expression across our province,” Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault said in a statement.
She added bringing the works to different communities allows more people to experience the talent and stories of local artists.
The exhibition will feature 22 visual art pieces, including six works by four indigenous artists.
The works were acquired through investments of $45,000 by Thériault’s department and $15,000 from the Department of Indigenous Affairs.
“Having indigenous artists represented in New Brunswick’s permanent collection is about more than inclusion,” said Mawi’art Wabanaki Artist Collective board chair Jude Gerrard.
“It’s about ensuring our stories, perspectives and artistic traditions, both historical and contemporary, are recognized and an essential part of the province’s cultural landscape.”
Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson said the tour allows people to engage with the works and stories.
“Making indigenous art accessible to New Brunswickers is an important part of recognizing and celebrating indigenous voices and perspectives,” Chiasson said.
Information about the works and upcoming tour stops is available on the collectionArtNB website.
What happens when Canadian artists are underfunded, burnt out, and fighting against the algorithmic push of tech giants?
A Nova Scotia filmmaker is exploring those questions, and looking for extra funding to get his project in front of more Canadians.
SOUNDCHECK is a theatrical documentary from Nova Scotia’s John Butler. Butler previously served as art director on Little Lorraine, the award-winning film about drug smugglers in Cape Breton.
Now he’s directing SOUNDCHECK, a documentary following Canadian musicians in their daily lives.
The documentary is anchored by acclaimed singer-songwriter Dan Mangan, and captures candid conversations about creativity, vulnerability and resilience. It explores the realities of working musicians and is both a celebration of live music and a conversation about the future of Canadian culture.
“Live music changed my life. This film is a love letter to the artists and communities that create those moments of connection we cannot replicate online,” said Butler. “We want audiences to leave remembering not just why music matters-but why the people who make it matter and deserve our support.”
Funding and Canadian arts
Butler and the SOUNDCHECK team are looking to fundraise $161,500 by Aug. 19. They say the Kickstarter campaign will help complete production and post-production while ensuring participating artists are compensated through artist fees and licensed music, something they say is an important reflection of the film’s commitment to supporting the very community it celebrates.
“Mental health is a massive component of this, and that has to be a value and priority in our production as well,” said Butler. “Taking care of the crew that I’m bringing or hiring locally, taking care of the artists.”
The realities of the often overworked and underpaid Canadian musicians are central themes in SOUNDCHECK. Butler said he’d like to change the conversation about how people spend their money when they’re supporting the arts.
“Lots of us are interested in going to see really big stadium concerts, and we might save lots of money to go to a certain concert that’s across the country,” said Butler. “What that does is leaves us thinking that when there’s a local show at a bar, I don’t have $20 for the cover because I just went to this big live music event.”
Algorithms, engagement and burnout
As more listeners move to social media and streaming platforms, Butler said musicians have to focus more on engaging with their audience online, self promoting and navigating algorithms.
“The algorithm is so vital, if you want to be on the top you have to be paying to play,” said Butler. “You need agents and music industry experts that are making deals with Spotify. They’re making sure you have a top spot or you’re getting on the playlist that you want to increase your streams.”
Butler stressed the impact of having to cater to an algorithm to be seen isn’t just antithetical to the uniqueness of art and artists, but actively harmful to their mental health.
“Even my personal experience with this Kickstarter, Dan (Mangan) actually sent me a text like 2 days before launching the campaign,” said Butler. “He was like ‘hey buddy, I think you need to do a video where you’re looking at the camera and doing an ask,’ I don’t like being in front of the camera, you know, I hold the camera.”
According to a 2022 International Federation of the Phonographic Industries (IFPI) report, algorithmic playlists account for 61 per cent of programmed listening, and Spotify controls nearly one-third of the global market for streaming distribution services.
Butler said that artists are still making important work, but that modern limitations are making it harder for emerging artists to connect with their audience. He said SOUNDCHECK is a story about the dangers of Canadian culture drying up.
“To get on social media and do something that’s reflective of what’s inside of them… It’s a bold move.. But it’s not what social media and the algorithm is looking for” said Butler. “It’s looking for something that’s very disconnected and that is not grounded. It’s looking for mania, it’s looking for ego… I think that’s the antithesis of art.”
To support SOUNDCHECK you can donate to the Kickstarter campaign here.
The Pictou-North Colchester Exhibition grounds have been a community gathering place for more than 130 years, and now the park will have improved accessibility for visitors and exhibitors for years to come with the government’s $200,000 investment through the Community Economic Development Fund.
The revitalization project will fix many existing issues at the site owned by the Pictou Agricultural Society in Pictou County, including finishing work on a new 12-by-52-metre multi-purpose barn that will provide new flexibility to host different types of livestock events and community programming year-round.
Justin Shaw, President of the Pictou Agricultural Society, says, “These projects will help us continue to host agricultural events and bring our community together for years to come. We appreciate the Province’s support and its investment in rural communities like ours.”
From left, Marco MacLeod, Minister of Energy and MLA for Pictou West, and Keigan MacDonald and Elizabeth Coady, board members of the Pictou Agricultural Society, attend the 2026 All Canada Sheep Classic today, July 10. The classic is a national event being held for the first time at the Pictou-North Colchester Exhibition grounds. PHOTO: Province of Nova Scotia
The new barn is called the Elwood and Mary Fraser Memorial Building and will replace the former beef barn. The modern facility will also feature removeable walls to help create customizable spaces for events like 4-H competitions and horse shows.
According to government officials, Elwood and Mary Fraser were dedicated supporters of the agricultural society and longtime volunteers at the exhibition; as a board member and contractor, it was Mr. Fraser’s vision to build the new barn, and he organized several fundraisers.
There will also be upgrades to the Kinsman Building, light horse barn, and dining hall to make the site more accessible, functional, and welcoming.
Energy Minister Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West, says, “Investing in these grounds means investing in our community – supporting local traditions, strengthening rural connections, and making sure this important gathering place can continue to serve people in Pictou County for years to come.”
Festivals and events that showcase New Brunswick’s culture and heritage are getting a financial boost.
More than $1.1 million was announced yesterday by Culture Minister Marc Miller.
“Festivals and events are at the heart of our communities. They bring people together, celebrate our shared heritage, and help drive local economies by supporting businesses and attracting visitors. Through this support, we are ensuring that organizers across New Brunswick can continue to deliver meaningful experiences that reflect the diversity and strength of our country,” Culture Minister Marc Miller stated.
This investment will help organizers deliver inclusive and interactive programs that showcase the province’s rich Acadian, Indigenous, Anglophone and multicultural heritage; create opportunities for artists; support small businesses; and attract visitors.
Festivals and events receiving funding for 2026–2027:
Program
Organization
Approved Amount
Canada Arts Presentation Fund
Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex
$15,000
Centre Culturel Aberdeen
$15,000
Centre des arts la petite église d’Edmundston
$45,000
Festival international de musique baroque de Lamèque
$8,000
Galerie sans nom
$36,000
La Société culturelle de la Baie des chaleurs
$7,700
La Société culturelle de Kent-Sud
$18,000
Radarts
$277,200
Sappyfest
$30,000
Carleton-Victoria Arts Council
$30,000
Centre culturel de Caraquet
$12,000
Centre des arts et de la culture de Dieppe
$46,800
Coopérative la Nuée
$10,000
Festival acadien de Caraquet
$87,942
Festival acadien de poésie
$7,200
Festival voir Miscou et mourir
$39,240
Fundy Sea Shanty Festival
$8,400
Les productions DansEncorps
$26,400
Musical Ventures
$31,200
Musique Saint-Joachim
$21,000
Paddlefest NB
$9,600
Riverview Arts Centre
$22,000
Building Communities through Arts and Heritage – Local Festivals
Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick – Fredericton Chapter
$7,500
Campbellton Salmon Festival Committee
$46,500
Coopérative air au cube – Cirque Nomade
$18,100
Festival des arts visuels en Atlantique
$18,300
Flourish Festival
$21,700
Grand Falls Potato Festival
$10,700
Greater Moncton Scottish Association
$34,000
Shediac Lobster Festival
$61,000
St. Mary’s First Nation
$52,700
Multiculturalism and Anti- Racism Program
Arab Culture Club – Club de Culture Arabe Inc. / Arab Heritage Festival 2026
$20,000
Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick – Fredericton Chapter / 2026 Asian Heritage Month Celebration
$35,000
Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick – Saint John Chapter / Greater Saint John Asian Heritage Month Celebrations 2026–2027
$22,000
Greater Moncton Scottish Association Inc. / 20th Annual Greater Moncton Highland Games & Scottish Festival 2026–2027
$15,000
Passamaquoddy Recognition Group Inc. / Cultural Teachings Through Indigenous Peoples Day Event
$8,000
Shediac Filipino Community Organization Inc. / Philippines Independence Day (awaiting approval)
A 150-year-old church in Digby, Nova Scotia is at risk of losing one of its most historically significant features, and advocates are now asking for the public’s help to save it.
The Trinity Anglican Church was named a top 12 finalist in Canada’s Next Great Save competition. Advocate Greg Turner says they’re hoping to restore the church, which he describes as “a rare piece of Atlantic Canada’s architectural history.”
“The church is a National Historic Site,” Turner explains. “It was built in 1878, and it’s a cornerstone of Digby’s heritage and identity, and this Rose Window is a really prominent feature in the church on the South Wall. It’s one of the most spectacular stained glass pieces in Trinity, and it’s now in danger.”
According to Turner, an engineer’s report indicates a loss of integrity around the window and inside plaster coming away. Turner says it’s stabilized but needs repairs soon. He notes the Rose Window—also known as the Children’s Window—is key to protecting the south wall and entire structure.
“It’s one of the first things you see when you drive in, and when you go inside it becomes illuminated as the sun shines through it and it really highlights the stained glass features of the church,” Turner says. “It’s essential for worship and celebrations, concerts, civic events.”
He wants to ensure the symbolic artwork continues serving Digby for generations, noting “it’s pretty important for the church itself and for the community.”
Competition sponsor Ecclesiastical Insurance is funding the $50,000 grand prize and reinforcing its commitment to protecting Canada’s historic places. Second- and third-place winners receive $10,000 and $5,000.
Turner says the church was “built by the community back in 1878. The Gothic Revival Architecture style is by Stephen Earle, and there are not too many buildings in Atlantic Canada that follow that architectural design. Public voting opened yesterday and runs until April 24th, so hopefully we can make our way to the top.”
Canadians can vote once per day at nextgreatsave.ca. Turner also invites the public to an open house on Saturday, April 18th to see the architecture firsthand.
The federal government announced $6 million in new funding for Indigenous tourism across Canada through the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES) program.
Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Rechie Valdez says, “Indigenous Peoples are the original storytellers of this land, and Indigenous tourism gives visitors the chance to experience those stories, cultures, and traditions first-hand.”
Officials say funding will support the construction of the new Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) near Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia where the announcement took place.
MDCC Executive Director Tim Bernard says, “Our Elders have created a place where people can come together, spend time on the land, and learn about Mi’kmaw history and culture directly from Mi’kmaw voices.”
Funding also reaches areas of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. According to a release, the investment will create over 100 jobs, draw 500,000+ annual visitors, and boost Indigenous economies by expanding cultural tourism, infrastructure, and growth.
Bernard adds, “In the years ahead, Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre will be a place where we will welcome visitors to deepen their understanding of Mi’kmaw history, culture, and understand our 13,000 years of connection to this land.”
Student union leaders say they “were met with excuses” instead of real solutions when discussing strike repercussions during their latest meeting with the Department of Education.
In a statement online, Alexina St. Pierre-Farrow, chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students–Nova Scotia (CFS-NS), says the response received from government officials has only added fuel to student anger as they gear up for what organizers call Nova Scotia’s first province-wide university strike March 15 – 21 over deep budget cuts.
Specifically addressing Advanced Education Minister Brendan Maguire in her letter, stating “no more excuses”, St. Pierre-Farrow condemns post-secondary funding reductions and demands answers on supports for Indigenous learners and grant-reliant students. It follows a student-led press conference with other Halifax university representatives held on February 26.
They say the walkout next week will involve campuses like Dalhousie, Saint Mary’s, NSCAD, King’s, and Acadia.
Students are reviving Quebec’s iconic red square strike symbolism. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
Students say they’re already “squarely in the red” from high tuition, rents, and job scarcity, plus cuts to key financial aids. Representatives are calling for a 20 per cent tuition cut, equal fees for international and domestic students, and protection for programs serving marginalized groups.
Organizers say the goal of their protests are to tell the Houston government that students “need tangible, meaningful action, and they need it now.” They plan to join the thousands taking part in ongoing arts and culture rallies across the province tomorrow outside Province House, while their strike remains scheduled to begin on Sunday.
Thousands of people from across Nova Scotia gathered to protest the Houston government’s recent cuts to arts, heritage, and culture. Creatives from every corner of the province made their stance clear, with demonstrations taking place in Halifax, Yarmouth, Truro, and Windsor.
During the rally, advocates led cheers, chants, and songs as the crowd raised its voice outside the House of Assembly during Question Period, determined to make sure they were heard.
Rally for Arts, Heritage, and Culture in Halifax. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
MLA for Dartmouth North, Suzanne LeBlanc, spoke passionately about the heartfelt letters she’s received over the past week from Nova Scotians feeling the impact of these cuts.
“A mom who is devastated that their daughter was not going to have performances at their school anymore. I had someone write me to just say they live in a small town, and they understand how important the little museum is,” LeBlanc said, her voice shaking as she shared real people’s stories. “I heard from a young dancer who has been volunteering with Dancers with Disabilities every Saturday, and she is devastated that she doesn’t get to do that anymore.”
Artistic Director at Live Art Dance, Liliona Quarmyne, speaking at a rally for Arts, Heritage, and Culture in Halifax. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
As the demonstration grew louder, protesters demanded the Premier come outside and address them, chanting “bring him out” so powerfully that it could be heard for blocks.
Rally for Arts, Heritage, and Culture in Halifax. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
Rallies held in southwestern N.S.
About 75 people rallied outside Yarmouth MLA Nick Hilton’s office.
Signs read: ‘art saves lives,’ ‘support the arts,’ and ‘get in tune with Nova Scotians.’
Organizer Kathryn Davidson says the cuts slam the door on our ancestors.
“It disrespects everything that makes our beloved province so special to thousands of yearly tourists, and so many of us that are proud to call Nova Scotia home,” Davidson said.
NSGEU members were also in attendance, and say the cuts will hurt their members.
“It’s just a sad situation all around,” said local NSGEU member Lynette Hayward-Byrd.
“A lot of these cuts will hurt families, who live right here in this community. We want the Houston government to reverse this decision.”
Protestors plan to write letters to the Premier, Minister and MLAs.
Hilton responds via open letter on social media letter
Meanwhile, Yarmouth MLA Nick Hilton said he would address concerns directly in person, if he could.
In a statement on social media, he says he’s required to be in Halifax at the Legislature, representing the people of Yarmouth.
Hilton pointed to $100 million in the budget for Yarmouth, on things like the emergency department, Mariners Centre, housing, and renovations at the Th’YARC.
He adds the impact of job losses are not lost on him, but they will continue to support tourism as they push for long-term sustainability of the Yarmouth ferry.
Hilton promised to listen and make sure the community’s voice is heard.
Shelburne rally hosts over 100
In Shelburne, a rally was held in front of a museum that’s slated for closure.
Protestors gathered in front of the Ross-Thomson House and Store Museum, which was affected by the budget cuts.
Linda McNichol organized the event, and says people have worked hard to promote tourism.
“It’s going to really affect tourism. Places like restaurants, B&B’s, everything. Along with our spirit and culture, who we are as a community,” said McNichol.
The group also marched to MLA Nolan Young’s office, and will write letters to him and government officials.
Solidarity rally in Antigonish
In the northeastern part of the province, a solidarity rally is planned in Antigonish.
Andrea Boyd, Artistic Director for Theatre Antigonish and Festival Antigonish told us they planned it for later in the day so more residents could attend.
Boyd says hearing about the shocks was shocking, devastating, sort of unbelievable and everybody is feeling it.
“If it’s not a direct impact, because maybe you don’t directly receive those funds. It’s demoralizing,” said Boyd.
She added, the arts sector contributes $989 million to Nova Scotia’s GDP and supports more than 14,000 jobs.
Houston says difficult decisions need to be made
While chants were heard loudly in Province House, Premier Tim Houston said difficult decisions need to be made and times are tough.
“We are focusing on protecting health care, we are focusing on protecting school lunch programs, protecting students. We are focusing on the core services of Nova Scotians,” said Houston.
He stressed they are doing those things while keeping taxes down.
It may have just wrapped up in October but Thunder Bay has earned recognition for its successful Culture Days event.
Running September 19 to October 12, Culture Days is a three week celebration of arts and culture in communities across Ontario.
This year, the City of Thunder Bay was singled out among more than 15 other Ontario centres in the 2025 Culture Days Spotlight Awards as runner-up in the Warren Garrett Inclusive Programming category.
“Warren Garrett is one of the founding members of Culture Days,” explains Caitlyn McMillan, cultural development and public art coordinator with the city. “They created that award specifically to recognize events that are inclusive to all participants.”
Arts and Culture Under the Lights, Thunder Bay’s theme for Culture Days this year, invited residents to participate in several free or pay-what-you-may activities and performances hosted by artists and cultural organizations.
Among the many highlights were such programs as the Art of the Mushroom, a two-day celebration of creativity, clay, and community hosted by the Community Arts & Heritage Education Project (CAHEP) and free screenings of the film Lempo from Thunder Bay artists Laura-Lynn Petrick and Tina Petrick.
“When they are looking at this award specifically, they look at how the events have engaged in multiple types of demographics, multiple types of audiences and how they’ve been able to include them in the process as well,” says McMillan. “It’s really about highlighting events that are inclusive and welcoming to all types of people in the community.”
McMillan says while the event only recently completed its third edition, Culture Days continues to grow in popularity among residents in Thunder Bay and this recognition should only bring out even bigger crowds for next year.
“We haven’t got into too many details as its still quite early still,” says McMillan about the plans for 2026. “We are hoping we can take what we’ve been doing with it and have it grow to be something a bit more special.”
A made-in-Thunder Bay horror film is set to spook local audiences, starting Thursday night.
Written by Tina Petrick and directed by her filmmaking sibling Laura Lynn Petrick, Lempo is a Nordic-style folk horror film based on Finnish mythology, but set on the outskirts of Thunder Bay.
“Lempo started as the God of fertility and love and then when Christianity took over the country, he was transformed into the Devil himself,” says Tina about the real Finnish mythology that inspired the film. “I thought that served as such a beautiful metaphor for relationships and love. Sometimes a relationship can start in a really beautiful place and then end up turning out to be quite haunting.”
Filmed around the Thunder Bay area with the help of local cast and crew that Tina describes as “heavensent,” Lempo will screen for free Thursday through Sunday at the Co. Lab Gallery in Goods and Company Market on Red River Road as part of Culture Days, the three week-long series of free, or pay-what-you-can, activities and performances hosted by artists, cultural organizations and Thunder Bay.
For the Petrick sisters, it was a great opportunity to showcase not only their homegrown short-film to local audiences, but it was also a chance to present the filmmaking duo’s calling card.
“I think that’s always the dream for filmmakers who make a short, that it becomes a calling card and leads to bigger productions with bigger budgets,” says Tina. “It would be amazing to turn it into a feature or work on another feature-length production together and ideally, set it again in Thunder Bay.”
