About Us

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design (the Centre), a for impact charitable organization, is an integral and leading force in the educational, promotional and economic development of the craft sector on Cape Breton Island with a membership of over 300 individuals and organizations throughout Cape Breton Island, the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people of Unama’ki.

Our Mandate

The mandate of Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is to promote excellence in the field of craft and design through education and training, exhibitions and special events. We are committed to developing programs that preserve, elevate, expand, and enhance the creation of craft.

We serve the craft community of Cape Breton Island from beginners and recreational practitioners to highly accomplished professionals, offering instruction as well as resource and support services.

The Centre offers a variety of educational opportunities in both contemporary and traditional craft, promotes and markets Cape Breton craft through exhibitions, special events, and a variety of traditional and social media platforms, and operates a permanent, year-round store-front Gallery and Gallery Shop representing over 110 Cape Breton artisans.

Learn about the Centre and our initiatives to promote excellence in craft and design and get more information on classes, workshops, exhibits, funding programs and much more including programming for children and youth.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Guiding the organization is the member-elected Board of Directors that is responsible for the policies, programs, and financial well-being of the Centre.

Directors are drawn from a spectrum of the craft community and allied professions. They serve a three-year term and may be elected for one additional term.

The Board meets regularly throughout the year and holds an Annual General Meeting in June.

• Chair — Sylvie Gerbasi
• Vice Chair — Michelle Lahey
• Treasurer — Kale O’Toole
• Board Members — Andrew Skinner-Ryan , Angela Hall, Sylvie Gerbasi, Kale O’Toole, Keli Brewer, Kelsey Watson, Kristie Farrier, Nadia Bello, Paula Davis

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is seeking new volunteer members for its Board of Directors.

Board term begins June 2022; members are asked to serve for a minimum of three (3) years; members are expected to attend five (5) Board meetings each year along with the Annual General Meeting; members of the Board will serve on committees.

For more information and to apply, click here.

FUNDING PARTNERS

At the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design we want to build a brighter and richer future for the craft sector by creating new craft advocates, inspiring craft producers and developing opportunities to showcase and sell the fine craft produced on our Island.

Without the support of our funding partners, this would not be possible.

TD Bank Group

TD participates in thousands of national and local sponsorships and community relationships annually. TD is proud to support nonprofits in carrying out their missions and delivering new and improved services.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, we are building a stronger economy.

Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage

The Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage is responsible for contributing to the well-being and prosperity of Nova Scotia’s diverse and creative communities through the promotion, development, preservation and celebration of our culture, heritage, identity and languages, and by providing leadership, expertise and innovation to our stakeholders.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2018 - 2021

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design's Strategic Plan sets out the priority actions that the Centre will undertake between 2018 and 2021. The plan outlines a range of actions which will take place over the next three years focusing on developing and growing the craft sector in Cape Breton.

The implementation of this plan in cooperation with key public and private partners in education, business, tourism, culture, and at various levels of government will ensure that the craft sector, with its inherent ability to innovate, combined with its contribution to Cape Breton culture and tourism, can assist in growing our economy.

In common with other sectors, the craft sector needs the appropriate support to sustain and develop it further. With these in place we believe this will ultimately lead to a stronger craft industry for future generations to enjoy.

Strategic Planning Summary 2018-2021