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.
“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
Branching Out Registration
Branching Out Details:
The “Branching Out Program” is designed to take young people on immersive trips to Black and Indigenous communities across Nova Scotia. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with local elders, participate in traditional activities, and learn about the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of these communities. The program aims to foster understanding, respect, and appreciation for diversity, while empowering youth to become ambassadors of cultural awareness and social justice.
Black Cultural Centre Tours, Friday, August 30th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
This trip will be to the Black Cultural Centr and Museum to discover and discuss the communities and many notable African Nova Scotians who have contributed to our province's history and culture.
Pier 21 Tour, Saturday, September 14th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The second trip will be to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Here we will explore the history of immigration into Canada through Pier 21 and explore the new exhibit, A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada.
Africville Tour, Date TBD 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
We will be taking a trip to the historical site of the Africville community. This historically Black community existed from the early 1800s until the 1960s when it was demolished by the city of Halifax, displacing its residents.
Fall Term 2024
Fall term 2024 Details:
The new term starts on September 23, 2024, and runs until November 29, 2024! Over the next 10 weeks (around 2 and a half months), we’re running 10 different programs between Monday to Friday. See the full schedule below:
Stings and Things with Bee (Artist in Residence),
Mondays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Love fiber arts and textiles? Whether you’re into knitting, crocheting, rug hooking, braiding or weaving, this program is for you. Bring your own project or start something new with us!
Please note that this program requires the use of scissors, needles, and sharp objects.
Intro to Social Media with the AfterWords Literary Festival
Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Practice your interviewing skills and work with a team to help create social media and newsletter content for the AfterWords Literary Festival! This unique 8-week training program equips participants with the skills and abilities to create polished, dynamic, relevant social media content. Participants in this program will sign up for various festival events and conduct short interviews with authors and audience members about matters related to books, reading, creativity and ideas.
Please note that this is a hybrid training /work program. Participants must be available to work a paid shift during the Afterwords Festival (November 2-12).
Digital Drawing with Rowan
Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Want to take your art to the digital world? Rowan will walk you through everything you need to know about digital drawing software. Participants will learn the basics of various techniques but will have the freedom to closely pursue methods of creating that they are drawn to. Don’t worry about equipment—we’ve got tablets and computers ready for you*!
*Please let us know if you already have access to digital drawing materials you prefer for this program (i.e. tablets, stylus, drawing pads, etc.)
Boat School with the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in November and December
The Maritime Museum is joining forces with the MacPhee Centre again to offer an engaging and innovative after-school program that combines creativity and art! Participants will have the unique opportunity to dive into the world of design and art by drawing, designing, and painting Stand Up Paddleboards, transforming the plain underside into painted masterpieces. The SUPs were built by youth from the IWK and HomeBridge Youth Society enrolled in Boat School over the winter of 2023/2024. They are used for youth on-the-water programming during the summer months.
The program is designed to inspire and cultivate artistic skills, offering a blend of design, painting, and practical application.
Please note that most of this program takes place on the CSS Acadia and is not physically accessible. For example, participants must use a ladder to enter/exit the program. If you have any comments/concerns, reach out to info@macpheecentre.ca
Painting with Silas and Diana
Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Take your painting to new heights (and sizes and materials and textures and colours)! This term in painting, youth will be able to build on general painting skills to develop their own style and try out some new techniques. Diana and Silas will lead you through some fun painting projects, and you will also have the chance to create unique self-directed works. It’s all at the tip of your fingers. Come painting with us!
Intro to DJing
Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
In this program participants will be introduced to the technical skills used to produce radio (think playlists, DJing and audio editing!). From marketing and communications to creating content, participants will produce their very own MacPhee Radio program and explore the cultural impacts of music through radio and broadcasting. Express your creativity through radio production and learn how to use broadcasting as a medium to amplify your voice and interests!
Please note that this program will include elevated noise levels.
Indigenous Arts with various Facilitators
Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Indigenous art forms are diverse and center on storytelling while also maintaining heritage and tradition. Join us this fall as we learn from various First Nations artists, from Quillwork medallions to beading and drum painting. We will explore different mediums and art forms practiced by Indigenous and First Nations artists.
Please note that this program requires the use of scissors, needles and sharp objects.
Skateboarding Arts with Aidan
Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Dive into the creative world of skateboarding culture, where visual art forms intersect and reinforce the sport. From clothing design to video editing, music, fashion, and other forms of visual arts, this program will have you designing your own projects while exploring the many intersections of art and skateboarding.
Please note that participants are not expected to know how to skateboard to attend this program!
BIPOC Drop In
Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Join us this term where we will focus on building community for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) through personalized art activities that celebrate creativity and culture. We’ll make art and crafts, watch movies, have fun and spirited debates, and chillax with our customized game nights!
GSA (Queer Arts) Drop In
Fridays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
MacPhee’s GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) carves out a space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their allies to explore issues and topics related to gender, sexuality and sex. Meet us Fridays from 4 to 6 PM for a deep dive into queer artist movements, connection, and creative projects. Think protest art, poetry, zines, painting, collage, musical theatre and more!
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
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.