Since its foundation in November 1991, the Conseil des Arts de Chéticamp has been recognized as one of the busiest regional arts councils in Nova Scotia. The Conseil is also the only one in Canada to have a co-management agreement with a School Board, in this case the CSAP, Conseil scolaire acadien provincial.

"Our organization has become an important development organization on the cultural scene" said the president, Michel Aucoin, during the group's Annual General Meeting, held on October 28. Mr. Aucoin mentionned that the Conseil's long term goal is to have Chéticamp become a cultural and tourism destination. The Presient adds that the Conseil has gradually carved out a place for itself in the community.

As well as putting on a variety of shows, the Conseil played a premier role in many activites such as: Le Grand Cercle, le Festival de l'Escaouette, Kitchen Parties, Dinner Theatres, Artistic Camps, etc. "For several years, we have been offering artistic and cultural experiences to locals and visitors alike" said Mr. Aucoin.

On another plane, we learned that the Conseil is now an important player on the Nova Scotia Cultural scene. "We have a very good reputation with Government Agencies and people now look to us as an example among other Arts Councils" said Michel Aucoin. The President said that the Conseil will continue to work towards the artistic and cultural development of the Acadians of the Chéticamp region.

The General Manager, Paul Gallant, announced that the Conseil continues to invest in several infrastructure projects. Important renovations are underway at the NDA School auditorium. Once these renovations are complete, the Place des arts Père Anselme Chiasson will boast a mini Art Gallery, offices and a spectacular theatre equipped with the most modern tools of the trade. "We will have one of the most beautiful theatres in Canada" said Mr. Gallant.

In fact, in order to unite artistic excellence and the region's economic development, the Conseil has invested in scenery, costumes and equipments for the show Le Grand Cercle. In 2007, three week-long artistics camps were organized. The Conseil also built a large garage and a scenery workshop, and purchased sound and lighting equipement.

During the last year, the Conseil put on 72 shows, which were seen by 16,648 spectators, an average of 231 people per show. In 2006 and 2007, the Conseil created 3 full-time jobs and 41 seasonal jobs. Since it started in 1999, the Conseil organized 727 shows which attracted a grand total of 108,200 spectators. The Conseil made five tours in France and the US, and around a dozen tours of Nova Scotia schools.

The Conseil took advantage of its Annual Meeting to encourage people to contribute to its fund-raising campaign for the completion of the Place des arts Père Anselme Chiasson. After only eight months, $84,000 of the $175,000 goal has already been reached. When you donate $250 or more, you sponsor a theatre seat which will bear your name.