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
March Break 2025
Winter Term 2025

Winter Term 2025 Schedule and Program Descriptions
Art Entrepreneurship with Sophie
Mondays from 4 to 6 PM
Bring your art into the public sphere with Artrepreneurship! In this program, youth will learn how to find an audience, show their work, and sell art products. Develop a creative business plan and other creative career development skills. Learn to work collaboratively as well as develop your personal creative practice as we work towards a final art show and sale!
Dungeons and Dragons with Niamh
Tuesdays from 4 to 6 PM
Create a character, form a party and adventure off into the wonderful world of the classic tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG), Dungeons and Dragons! Join Niamh as they world build and lead you through an incredible story with filled with adventurers. All levels are welcome!
Boat Craft with the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Tuesdays from 4 to 6 PM
Hop onboard the CSS Acadia and join us for another term of Boat School! In this program, youth will be introduced to historic marine trades and learn various skills of the sailor, including woodworking and traditional canvas work. Learn about different kinds of boatcraft and let your creativity sail away!
Please note that youth will use a variety of hand tools in this program (including chisels, saws, hammers, drills and sewing needles). The CSS Acadia is only accessible by a ladder.
Open Studio with Silas and Diana
Wednesdays from 4 to 6 PM
For this open studio program, youth have the opportunity to work on independent projects in the mediums of painting, drawing, collage, or silk screen. They can work on existing projects or begin a new one. Facilitators will provide technical and conceptual guidance to help the youth realize their artistic vision.
Breakdancing with Unity
Wednesdays from 5 to 6 PM
Learn how to break dance, pop and lock with Unity, a national non-profit organization that uses hip-hop art forms to help young people develop resilience and create healthier communities!
This program actively engages youth participants to support the development of protective factors, social skills, and a sense of belonging, and also improves online access and connectivity for African Nova Scotian (ANS)/Queer/Marginalized Youth and their households!
Youth registered in the breakdancing program will participate in weekly virtual and in-person hybrid hip-hop programming. They will also receive a free device (for keeps!) and either a cellular connection or a year of fully subsidized internet for their household. After registration, we will send you a survey to learn about your tech and internet needs.
Please note that this program is closed to ANS and members of underrepresented communities, including 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled youth. It runs in the winter and spring terms. Participants must attend programs either virtually or in-person to maintain their free internet access and keep their devices at the end of the program!
Beatmaking with Unity
Thursdays from 5 to 6 PM
Find your rhythm and learn to make beats with Unity, a national non-profit organization that uses Hip-Hop art forms to help young people develop resilience and create healthier communities!
This program actively engages youth participants to support the development of protective factors, social skills, and a sense of belonging, and also improves online access and connectivity for African Nova Scotian (ANS)/Queer/Marginalized Youth and their households!
Youth registered in the beat-making program will participate in weekly virtual/in-person hybrid hip-hop programming. They will also receive a free device (for keeps!) and either a cellular connection or a year of fully subsidized internet for their household. After registration, we will send you a survey to learn about your tech/internet needs.
Please note that this program is closed to ANS and members of underrepresented communities, including 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled youth. It runs in both the winter and spring terms. Participants must attend programs either virtually or in person to maintain their free internet access and keep their devices at the end of the program!
Fashion and Identity with Art Factory
Thursdays from 4 to 6 PM
Ra Ra Fashion baby! Fashion is a major tool for expressing identity and is also a form of wearable art. In this program, 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 and sew, add new flare with zippers and screen printing, and tailor existing clothing.
BIPOC: Dinner Club
Thursdays from 6 to 8 PM
This program offers BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) youth a space to explore cultural recipes, develop cooking skills, and build community. Participants will prepare nourishing meals, learn about the connection between food and well-being, and engage in fun leisure games that promote relaxation and bonding. Come cook up some fun with us this term!
GSA: Queer Arts
Fridays from 4 to 6 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!
Improv with Page 1 Theatre
Every-Other Friday from 4 to 6 PM
Looking to make new friends and have lots of fun? Improv is a great way to sharpen your funny bone, and learn to go with your gut. Join Becca, Keirran, Alex and Isaac from Page1 Theatre as we play games and create scenes based on loose scenarios. Sign up today, you don't need any previous experience, and join the fun!
This program runs every other week starting on January 17th. It lasts for 10 weeks, with the final day on April 25. For each specific program date, go to the registration page.
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.