The Inverness County Council of the Arts (ICCA) is a charitable, not-for-profit organization established in 1984 with a vision: to nurture, enable, and promote the artistic expression and fulfillment of all people.
ICCA is comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors, a full-time staff of four, and a large membership and volunteer base. These individuals place a high value on arts, culture, and heritage. Over the years, ICCA has been involved in various art exhibits, musical and theatrical performances, and cultural education opportunities.
In 1996, ICCA partnered with Human Resources Development of Canada on the Heritage Arts Research Project to conduct a survey. A focus group of 70 people and 460 randomly selected households were questioned about their desirability of having a centre for arts, culture, and heritage in Inverness County. Results found 96% of respondents were supportive.
And so it began; the project of creating the Inverness County Centre for the Arts was underway. The vision for the centre was to create a versatile presentation and performance venue, taking into consideration the needs and desires of county residents. Construction of the centre began in January 2002, on a hilltop in the small village of Inverness. Over a year later, the centre was complete.
The Inverness County Centre for the Arts is a unique venue suited to a variety of exhibitions and events. The 8, 640 square foot centre is located in a tranquil setting, and has ample parking to accommodate large groups.
Our professional exhibition space showcases the talents of local and world-renowned artists. The gallery space includes a main gallery with an observation balcony and adjacent outer gallery. We offer a spacious, naturally lit studio to host seminars, demonstrations, and instructional classes. The inspiring ocean views make the studio a perfect setting for private studio space.
Our large reception room is designed to accommodate a number of occasions, including meetings, conferences, luncheons, social gatherings, and musical performances. The space includes a raised performance stage, complete catering kitchen, bar, and full audio and video equipment.
Each year ICCA plays host to at least eight different gallery exhibits including our Annual Show Off Students, featuring the work of Inverness County student artists, Hidden Treasures, featuring the work of undiscovered local talent, and Hands Dancing, our annual non juried members only show.
In addition to our gallery, ICCA strives to provide as many workshops and learning opportunities as possible. Some of these have included:
– A two week Stone Carving Symposium that brought participating artists from across Canada and featured local marble.
– Held seminars and workshops in such subjects as silver work, quilting, audio technology, and basket weaving.
– Held classes in bodyworks such as yoga, ballet, and Cape Breton step dancing.
– Hosted the annual “Masters Concert” and other events featuring the finest Celtic musicians in association with the Ceilidh Trail School of Celtic Music.
– Filled its 2 galleries with art, from local to international, from paintings to photography, textiles to lithographs, sculpture in wood, metal, stone.
– Hosted a film festival produced by the youth of the county.
– Offered annual Art Camps and Drama Camps for youth.