A $46,000 funding cut threatens the programs, artists, and creative opportunities that have defined Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design for over 50 years โ help us close the gap by joining the 460 Club.
Click here to donate!
Your membership not only keeps you informed about what is happening in the field of craft and design in Cape Breton, but it also provides you with preferential rates for classes and workshops as well as advanced registration. Go
What better way to learn about Cape Breton than through the lives and work of its artisans. Our Artisan Trail Map will set you on a trail of discovery and beauty with good measures of culture, history, adventure and charm. Go
This suite of online courses assists Makers in the development of their craft businesses. These courses are all self-paced, meaning you can learn on your own schedule!
Learn More
โค๏ธ๐๏ธ BIG NEWS, CAPE BRETON! ๐๏ธโค๏ธ
13 incredible arts & culture organizations have teamed up (yes, 13 ๐คฏ) to launch something pretty specialโฆ
โจ Home of Our Hearts Lottery โจ
(Tirage : Chez nous, au cลur de nos arts)
In the face of budget cuts, weโre choosing collaboration over competition โ because our arts scene isnโt just importantโฆ itโs the heartbeat of this island โค๏ธ
๐ 50/50 draws every two weeks
๐๏ธ Tickets are live now
๐ฅ Proceeds support all 13 organizations
When you buy a ticket, youโre not just taking a chance to win โ youโre helping keep craft, art, music, theatre, language, and culture alive right here in Unamaโki Cape Breton.
Ready to support AND maybe win a little something? ๐
Grab your ticket ๐ link in bio ๐
Don`t forget to follow Home of Our Hearts Lottery - Triage: Chez nous, au coeur de nos arts Facebook page for updates!
Calling all earring enthusiasts! ๐โจ From bold statement pieces to delicate, everyday favourites, weโre ready to see it all.
The deadline for applications for the Earring Show 2026 is next week! Weโre inviting Atlantic Canadian artists to send in 1โ5 pairs of handcrafted earrings for this juried exhibition and sales opportunity celebrating wearable art ๐
Selected pieces will shine in a month-long retail showcase from June 1โ30, 2026, right here at the Centre in Sydney.
Ready to let your work sparkle a little louder? Apply by April 13, 2026 ๐
Find all the details using the link in our bio!
๐งถ Calling all knitters๐งถ
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is seeking the services of skilled knitters for a Cape Breton inspired Wool Sweater Project. This hand knit Cape Breton sweater will be a textured style and reflect the history and culture of Cape Breton Island.
This project is inspired by the two sweater projects developed in the late 1970s and early 80s; the Cape Breton Development Corporation (DEVCO) commissioned three sweaters based on Mi`kmaq, Gaelic, and Acadian cultures; and the four county sweater designs commissioned by Cape Breton Woollen Mills (Irish Cove).
The deadline for applications is May 1
For all the details, visit the link in our bio ๐
Whatโs the true cost of a handknit sweater? ๐งถ
Knitting was considered highly skilled work until the industrial revolution, when machines took over the textile industry and textiles could be mass produced cheaply. In the 19th century, knitting became associated with womenโs work in the home. Like other forms of feminized labour, knitwear became undervalued โ and the knitter, underpaid.
A hand-knit sweater may take between 20-100 hours of work; if the knitter were fairly compensated according to todayโs labour standards, they could make over $300 (to $1,650!) for the creation of one sweater. However, knitting usually takes place within informal or gift economies. When a handknit sweater has a price tag, it rarely reflects the true cost of the labour involved in its creation.
While knitting is still undervalued and often recreational, it has become an act of resistance to fast fashion, overconsumption, gender stereotypes and binaries. Knitwear is the epitome of slow fashion; garments to be cared for, mended, and passed down.
In our Cape Breton Wool Sweater Project, we value the labour of knitters by providing fair compensation and credit for their skilled work. Youโll find the details of each sweaterโs production in the tag of each sweater. โค๏ธ
Happy Easter weekend to all our friends near and far! ๐ฐ๐ฃ๐
The Centre`s hours are the following:
โซ๏ธFriday, April 3 โ closed
โซ๏ธSaturday, April 4 โ 10AM-4PM
โซ๏ธSunday, April 5 โ closed
โซ๏ธMonday, April 6 โ closed
Wishing everyone a joyful long weekend โ we look forward to seeing you soon. ๐
Join us for a meet and greet with artist in residence, Lisa Meecham (@woolly_good_hooking) on Wednesday, April 8th ๐งถ๐งต๐
The Downeast Rug Hookers are hosting a meet and greet at the Centre to welcome Lisa Meecham. We`re inviting all local rug hookers and enthusiasts to come and meet her and then spend the day hooking with us. Lisa will take us on a tour of her space and show her work. Folks are invited to drop in anytime after 10:30 a.m. on April 8th.
Lisa is an award-winning traditional rug hooker and eighth-generation African Nova Scotian descendant. Her practice uses wool and natural fibres to process and share hard stories, including generational trauma, pride, and the complexities of Black Canadian history. As she describes, "With every loop, there is a thought, an emotion, a memory, and hopefully a reconciliation of sorts."
Billy & Mary make pottery! And letโs just sayโฆ things got a little unhinged (in the best way possible) ๐
When life throws funding cuts our way, we throw it right back โ with clay, comedy, and a camera.
Huge thanks to the iconic @billy_maclellan and Mary Morrison (Bette MacDonald) for the laughs and a peek inside the magic that happens at the Centre every day ๐
Watch it, share it, and maybe even join the 460 Club ๐
Donate today using the link in our bio ๐
UPDATE: weโre staying shut for the day!
We wish this was an April Fools` joke! โ๐จโ Due to the inclement weather, the Centre and Gallery Shop will be closed this morning and we`ll reassess at 11AM for the afternoon, Wednesday, April 1st.
Stay safe out there, friends ๐ฉต
โซ๏ธ`Along the Cross-Country Ski Trail` original acrylic by Celeste Friesen
