A new arts centre is opening its doors in Northumberland, nestled in the heart of downtown Brighton.
Spearheaded by a growing not-for-profit Brighton and Arts Culture Council (BACC), the Presqu’ile Waddling Art Centre will serve as a special venue shining a light on all genres of art, and with hopes of also serving as a social and cultural hub for the community, explains local artist and BACC president Des Rodrigues.
Rodrigues, who will also soon serve as president of the arts hub, tells us the group chose the name for the new centre carefully. It’s about paying homage to Presqu’ile Provincial Park – a beloved treasure across Northumberland – and to prominent local artist Ronald A. Waddling, who’s also a long-serving member of the community.
“It is definitely to honour the work he’s done over the years, not only in the arts, but as a giving member of the community,” says Rodrigues.
Located at 23 Main St. in Brighton, Rodrigues tells us the Presqu’ile Waddling Art Centre will open its doors this week, offering residents and visitors a chance to get up-close with dozens of area artists’ work.
Artwork will be for sale at the soft launch this Thursday, Dec. 12.
The official – more formal launch, with the ribbon cutting ceremony and whatnot – is in the works for Jan. 17, 2025.
The expansion of the BACC with the addition of an arts centre such as this was the dream, shares Rodrigues. He says this all started with a desire – right from the beginning – to have an arts council re-established locally, and with the ultimate goal being opening an art centre down the line.
“Down the road” just came sooner than anticipated.
The right location came up, and there’s always that uncertainty if it’s the right time to jump into something of this magnitude, but the group couldn’t resist and there’s been a lot of support locally for this, explains Rodrigues.
Rodrigues is hopeful the community and beyond will join in the celebration for the new arts centre, saying everyone is invited to come explore the new space.
And Rodrigues anticipates this won’t just be a positive for Brighton, but for the arts scene across the county.
“The reason we are calling it an art centre rather than a gallery (is) we want it truly to be a hub of social, cultural and artistic everything … so we’re going to have all genres of art,” explains Rodrigues.
This means live musician performances and showcases for sculptors, photographers, painters, and more to come. Rodrigues has also shared hopes of involving area schools, senior residences, and making connections with the Indigenous community.
From rentals for parties, to social events, the goal is for this space to be a place that brings the people of Brighton and Northumberland together in a wonderful setting, all while celebrating the arts, continues Rodrigues.
The Brighton Arts and Culture Council is on Facebook and online, where there is more information about membership and how to get involved.
Deciding to create an arts centre versus a gallery was also intentional, and it’s hoped to make a difference for aspiring local artists.
“We’re kind of getting away from the traditional gallery mode so to speak where we’re giving anyone in Brighton (or who wants to join up) an opportunity to display their work in a (gallery-type) setting.”
Gallerys can sometimes be more contingent on skillsets – the BACC isn’t looking at it as much from that perspective, but again, as an arts hub, encouraging the arts, explains Rodrigues. Whether it’s students or others, and regardless of where their skills are at, this is a chance to showcase their work and build up confidence, adds Rodrigues.
The centre has spots for 30 or so unique artists – so if you’re looking for some unique gems still for the holidays, be sure to swing by.
“We’d love to not only have you as a patron, but to possibly have your work displayed there, that would be wonderful.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
