Services & Activites

Gathering Of The Arts (Gota): Gathering of the Arts is a juried, traveling exhibition that has occurred annually since 1996.   Usually, between 30 and 40 artists and artisans from the region are selected to show recent work that has not been previously shown at GOTA, and that must be for sale. A variety of workshops, presentations, readings, concerts and screenings accompany the exhibition in each location depending on interest. The exhibition can include sub-exhibitions, such as the children’s show in 2007 Youth exhibit and workshops in 2008.   Participating venues have included the Antigonish Courthouse, Sherbrooke Historic Village, Jost Historical Waterfront Building (Guysborough), DeCoste Centre (Pictou County), and the Museum of Industry (Stellarton).

Members’ Shows: These are non-juried shows that are open to established and emerging artists, presented in various venues in our region. They allow emerging artists the important opportunity to exhibit their work early in their careers, and to meet the public. These shows, which can include only two or three artists or the open membership, are mounted in commercial spaces or schools reaching audiences that might not otherwise be aware of local artwork. regular series has been running regularly two to three times per year since 2003 at the Tall and Small Cafe, Antigonish. Other venues have included St Andrews Junior School, the Regional Library, New Glasgow, ShurGain Feeds and Needs, empty storefronts, Antigonish Mall, St Francis Xavier University Art Gallery, McDonald’s Restaurant, Antigonish.

GAPACC News: The illustrated newsletter initiated in 2000, is published twice a year in the spring and fall. It includes reports on Gathering of the Arts and GAPACC-sponsored member shows, feature articles on member artists, other arts organizations both local and national, non-GAPACC arts events, and on general issues such as copyright and exhibition submission protocols.

www.gapacc.ns.ca: The GAPACC web site, launched in 2004, features news and photos about cultural events, membership information and program information. Members can subscribe to their own web pages on the site. Personal GAPACC web pages are unique in that members can post and change all their texts, photos and contact information by themselves whenever they wish. Given their flexibility and accessibility, the site and personal pages can serve as publicity and marketing tools.

E-Bulletin: Members receive via e-mail a bi-weekly electronic bulletin which features member news, announcements, job postings, call for submissions, events and library news.

Culture Alive!: Through the Culture Alive! series, GAPACC offers organizational and financial support for book and CD launches, concerts, readings, screenings and other special events arranged at the request of the artist or group. Culture Alive! has been offered since 1999.

Professional Development: Workshops are offered as opportunities and interest arise. These have included a VANS-initiated workshop on printmaking, a bronze-pouring demonstration and instruction and a bust sculpting workshop.