Programs

The centre aims to eliminate barriers to creative education. We collaborate with local artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and community partners to offer high calibre creative learning programs.

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Click here to access registration and program information for our in house and outreach programs!

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You can earn high school credits while attending MacPhee programs!

Learn more about school credits
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Read more about our Program Philosophy

“I love these programs and all the types of art I learned. I never saw myself doing this, so it made me happy to be able to try all so many different things. It makes me happy to see people who understand me. When I come back, I hope to volunteer and help you make these programs even better!”

—Azeezat, Stop-Motion, Collage, Jewelry Making, BIPOC Drop In

Fall Programs 2025

Nourish Youth Food and Film Workshop

Youth, show us what you've got in a short video that shares your food story!

The MacPhee Centre is partnering with Nourish Nova Scotia to host a Food and Film Workshop in preparation for the Nourish Youth Food and Film Challenge! Participants will learn about the basics of storytelling through film and start developing ideas for short films that "Celebrate local".

This hands-on workshop will give participants a chance to explore creative ways to tell stories about food while getting ready to submit their own short film (1–3 minutes) to the Nourish Youth Food and Film Challenge. The winning entry will be showcased at the Devour! The Food Film Fest in October 2025  and win a prize valued at $500!

All materials and snacks will be provided for attendees!

Program Philosophy

The MacPhee Centre, inspired by Bill Stickland's "Manchester Bidwell Model," aims to transform youth through quality resources and creative mentorship

By taking youth out of their usual environments, the centre aims to eliminate barriers to creative education. We collaborate with local artists, entrepreneurs, and community partners, to offer high-calibre creative learning programs, showcasing career opportunities and fostering a love for lifelong learning.

“My favourite part about winter programs was jewelry making. Being inspired and having an idea I was excited about making was a great feeling.”

—Dhimahi, Jewelry Making

Close up of a partially painted cyanotype print surrounded by marbles, paint brushes, leaves, a spray bottle, and a foil pan

Youth-Led & Youth-Driven

As an organization committed to empowering youth to access their own creative potential, the MacPhee Centre ensures that youth voice is involved in every aspect at the Centre. From the selection of programs on a termly basis, to the snacks that are served regularly, to the anti-racism action plan that was embedded into the operational plan in 2021, youth are at the core of everything we do.

Safety

Every one deserves to feel safe in their community. The youth, facilitators, and staff collaborate each term to create a set of “standards” that we all aim to follow.

Respect

A huge pillar of our programs is respect: for the self, for one another, and the space. Every individual has a different set of "rules" for themselves. We aim to understand and meet people where they are.

Try

Trying new things is an important part of creating and enjoying art; whether it's starting a new project or making a new friend. We highly encourage everyone to try first, and then pass if they want to.