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.

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

Looking for Portaupique Programs? Click the button below!

Portaupique Programs

June Programs 2025

July and August Programs 2025

Due to the popularity of our summer programs (July-to-August), registration is run as a lottery system rather than first-come, first-served.

This means that upon registration individuals will be entered into a waitlist, then selected to ensure that each youth is placed in at least one program of their choosing. If you're registering for multiple programs and you would like to rank your program choices, please do so during registration.

You will be notified of your successful registration status after the lottery closes on June 20, 2025. If you have questions about the lottery, email info@macpheecentre.ca or call 902 469 2851.

June Program Descriptions

Atlantic Book Awards YA Authors

June 3, 2025 from 4 to 6 PM

YA! Meet The Authors at The MacPhee Centre For Creative Learning

Hosted by Nova Scotian Youth Ambassador Jorja Walker

Tuesday, June 3rd, 4 pm to 6 pm

Come hear the shortlisted authors of the Ann Connor Brimer Award! Each nominated author will be reading snippets from their novels, there will be time to ask questions, and even some breakout activities to get your writing juices flowing! There will be snacks!!

Zine Workshop; Food for Thought

June 7 from 11 AM to 2 PM

The MacPhee for Creative Learning is partnering with Nourish Nova Scotia and Feed Nova Scotia to run a free zine making workshop all about food! Youth between the ages of 12 to19 are invited to join the 3 hour workshop and learn about the zine making process and produce a zine about a food related topic to share within our online zine library.

All materials and food will be provided for all attendees.

Spring Program Celebration

June 11 from 5 to 7 PM

Join us on June 11 for our Spring Program Celebration!

Before we launch into summer, we are holding a special event to celebrate our youth! Join us at the MacPhee Centre, connect with our community and see what the youth have been creating!

This is a drop in event from 5 to 7 PM. At 6 PM we will present the scholarships and have a short and fun art presentation!

No registration required!

Art A Thon: Show, Tell, and Sell

June 19 from 5 to 7 PM

Join us as we wrap up our spring campaign Art-a-Thon. Stay turned for more details.

Branching Out: Treaty Space Field Trip

June 20 from 3:30 to 7:30 PM

Puppet Making Workshop

June 27 from 12 PM to 3 PM

In this workshop, participants will explore creative character design through three unique puppet making styles: rod puppets, shadow puppets, and found object puppets. We'll start by crafting our own one of a kind puppets, then bring them to life through fun group performances and shared storytelling. No experience is needed! Come learn a whole new way to tell stories, perform and bring objects to life!

July Program Descriptions

Prism: A Pride Program with YWCA

July 7 to 10 from 10 AM to 3 PM

Calling out to all queer youth and allies! Join the MacPhee Centre and YWCA for a week of artistic learning opportunities that focus on collaboration, creativity, and joy!

In this program, youth will explore a mix of different performance and visual arts that celebrate the artistic diversity of queer youth. This program will also offer youth supportive and affirming community where participants feel safe, seen, and empowered. Youth in this program will be invited to select the art mediums they are interested in exploring and will help shape the direction of the program.

NSCC Technical Arts

July 14 to 18 from 10 AM to 3 PM

Join us the week of July 14th for a collaborative program with Nova Scotia Community College where we will dive into the technical arts of carpentry, plumbing and machining. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and develop skills in woodworking, soldering and engineering with the help and facilitation of professionals in the field.

Please note that this program will take place at the NSCC Ivany Campus (80 Mawiomi Pl, Dartmouth, NS). Participants will be picked up and dropped off at NSCC.

Fashion and Identity with NSCAD Art Factory

July 21 to 25 from 10 AM to 3 PM

Calling out to all you fashion dreamers, weavers and innovators! Join us at NSCAD's Fashion studios for a special program in which participants will learn how to hack fabric and alter clothing to make unique pieces that express important aspects of their identity. Learn how to design, sew, add new flare with lace, zippers and embellish existing clothing with pockets, patches and screen printing.

This program is in collaboration with NSCAD Art Factory and will take place at the NSCAD Foundation Campus. Youth will arrive at the MacPhee Centre (50 Queen Street, Dartmouth NS) each day and travel together as a group to the NSCAD campus.

July Creative Exposure

July 28 to 31 from 10 AM to 3 PM

Join us at the MacPhee Centre for a unique week-long program where participants will explore a mix of visual and performing arts. Youth will have opportunities to try out a variety of art forms typically excluded in school. Whether you're a seasoned artist or new to exploring your creativity, our program is open to all experience levels and sure to expand your creativity!

August Program Descriptions

August Creative Exposure

August 5 to 8 from 10 AM to 3 PM

Creative Writing with Writer's Federation of NS

August 11 to 15 from 10 AM to 3 PM

Do you have a passion for writing and reading? Prepare to discover your inner writer with our Writers Federation of Nova Scotia Program! Led by a talented group of published authors from Nova Scotia, youth will embark on a week-long journey to explore the art of the written word. Through a series of 5 interactive workshops - each led by a different local author - participants will learn how to craft compelling stories and poems that captivate readers.

This week is designed to expose teens to different ways of accessing their creativity, and will provide participants with information they would not learn inside a typical writing classroom. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting, this camp offers a unique opportunity to hone your skills and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for writing.

Indigenous Arts

August 18 to 21 from 10 AM to 3 PM

Indigenous art forms are diverse and deeply rooted in storytelling, culture, and community, serving as powerful ways to preserve heritage and share knowledge across generations.

Join us this week as we learn from First Nations artists and explore a variety of traditional and contemporary mediums and a field trip to a significant and sacred local location. Through immersive activities and guided workshops, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind each art form while developing their own creative voice.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with Indigenous perspectives and celebrate the richness of First Nations artistic traditions.

This program is open to all youth, however priority will be given to those who identify as First Nations/Indigenous.

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.