- Art exhibitions featuring local, regional, and visiting visual artists
- Public art displays and installations
- Community-based and participatory art projects
Arts and Culture Centre
The new Cornwall Arts and Culture Centre will strengthen the City's offerings to residents and visitors. It will add to waterfront attractions, modern sports facilities at the Aquatic and Benson Centres and downtown revitalization efforts. Opening in November 2026, the Centre creates a welcoming space for creativity, learning and shared cultural experiences.
Explore arts, culture and creativity at the centre
Live performance and media arts
- Live performances including music, theatre, dance and spoken word
- Film screenings, digital media and media arts presentations
Classes, workshops and creative learning
- Hands-on art classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels
- Studio-based learning opportunities in visual arts, craft and creative practices
- Artist talks, lectures and panel discussions
Literary and storytelling arts
- Literary arts programming such as readings, author talks and storytelling events
- Cultural events, festivals and celebrations reflecting community diversity
- Youth, family and intergenerational arts and culture programming
- Community gatherings, creative meetups and collaborative activities
Creative spaces and participation
- Collaborative spaces for rehearsal, experimentation and creative development
- Opportunities for volunteering, partnerships and sponsorship involvement
The story behind the Arts and Culture Centre
The Arts and Culture Centre is the result of many years of community vision, planning and collaboration. The project draws from long‑standing cultural studies and feasibility work that identified the need for a dedicated arts and culture space to serve Cornwall and the surrounding region. Located in the downtown core at the former BMO site on Pitt Street, the Centre supports ongoing downtown revitalization while preserving the building’s historic façade and transforming the interior into a modern, flexible space for arts and cultural activity.
From the beginning, community involvement has played a central role in bringing the Arts and Culture Centre to life. Artists, cultural organizations, donors, volunteers and community members contributed ideas, advocacy and financial support through initiatives such as the Be the Link campaign. Partnerships with the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and local supporters helped shape a shared vision for a welcoming, adaptable facility that reflects Cornwall’s creative identity. The Centre is designed to grow and evolve with the community, offering space for performance, learning, collaboration and cultural connection for years to come.
Every Dollar Counts
In 2019, the Be the Link committee established a fundraising goal of one million dollars. As of October 13, 2026, the total amount raised and pledged is $2,549,109.
Discover the vision for the Cornwall’s Arts and Culture Centre:
Construction Updates
Deadlines
To give the public a unique perspective on this exciting project, a new drone video has been produced. It provides a look back at the progress made over the past year and highlights the advancement of the construction work. You can watch the video here.
Cornwall’s Arts Centre is one step closer to becoming a reality! The architects’ drawings are now ready for review. We look forward to welcoming you to the state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility at 159 Pitt Street.
Initial Council Presentation March 8, 2021
May 9, 2024 Council Update
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