In 1984, a diverse group of like-minded Cape Bretoners held an evening meeting in the library at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.

 

Among the group was the late “Silver” Donald Cameron, journalist, author, playwright and teacher, who, in his affiliation with Cape Breton University, had recently returned from an exploration of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta.

 

The purpose of this meeting? To discuss the possibility of creating a “Banff East” to bring artists of various disciplines together in a physically beautiful setting on Cape Breton Island.

 

Enthusiasm was strong. The Village of Baddeck emerged as the favoured location for such a centre.

 

In short order, the group formalized as the Centre Bras d’Or Association. Their goal was to create a hub where visual and performing artists, craftspeople, musicians, scholars and others could exchange all aspects of their work with each other, local communities and visitors.

 

But, how to get the idea out there? Why not mount an ambitious “festival of the arts” with 14 consecutive days of visual art displays, musical and theatrical performances showcasing local, national & international talent.

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Okay, great idea, but, without a dedicated performance venue in the Village of Baddeck, where to host this festival? How about the school mostly vacated in July & August.

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Sure enough, the inaugural Centre Bras d’Or Festival of the Arts was held during the summer of 1985 at Baddeck Academy. The gymnasium was transformed into a professional performance space with seating for 500. The cafeteria became an art gallery.

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The first Festival attracted a fulsome 4,200 people.

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As the festival grew, programs for youth were developed. The 5-day Youth Gallery art workshops culminated in a formal gallery display of their creations. The 10-day SAPPY (Summer Arts Participation Program for Youth) culminated in an evening theatre performance on the main stage.

It was an exhilarating time while the dream endured garnering a remarkable range of support from all levels of government, local businesses and individuals, local organizations, dedicated volunteers and staff. Jobs were created and revenue was generated.

 

All of this to say, on behalf of everyone from near and far who nurtured Centre Bras d’Or and savoured its offerings, it is truly befitting that Theatre Baddeck be gifted the funds that remained in the Centre Bras d’Or account on its recent dissolution.

 

No longer can it be said there is not a dedicated performance venue in the Village of Baddeck. Bravo!!!

 

(Courtesy of Sharon Morrow, a Centre Bras d’Or founding member, with fond memories of those around the table in 1984 and in the following years, who gave so much, many of whom have since passed on. They would be delighted with the perseverance and vision that is Theatre Baddeck.)