Offices

Located between Pier 21 and the new NSCAD Port Campus, the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design, now under the direction of The Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council, has five well-equipped studios in pottery, jewellery and metal, woodworking, textiles, and multi-purpose where courses are offered to the public in spring, fall and winter semesters. Qualified craftspeople are welcome to rent our studios on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis. Also housed within the Centre is the Mary E. Black Gallery, Nova Scotia's only public gallery with a fine craft mandate, hosting local, regional, national and international fine craft exhibitions year round. The Jackie MacKay Library, located in our multi-purpose room, has a collection of fine craft and art related books that the general public is welcome to come in and browse. We will soon be offering an "Artist  in Residency" program, as well as opening a small commercial gallery this year. And as always, our annual publication, The Guide to Craft & Art in Nova Scotia, continues to help promote the hundreds of craftspeople, artists, studios, shops, galleries, organizations and  events the province has to offer.

Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council (NSDCC) The was formed in 1973 by a group of craftspeople who recognized the need for a provincial organization to support and develop the quality craft movement. Through markets, exhibitions and other activities, the NSDCC promotes the work of its members locally, nationally and internationally. Today the NSDCC represents close to 300 individual artisans and craft enthusiasts, and up to 1,000 others through various member groups and guilds. Throughout its history, the NSDCC has played an active role in promoting craft in the province and building the craft community into the thriving economic and cultural force it is today.

Between 1928 and 1971, 1.5 million immigrants and Canadian military service personnel passed through Pier 21. Today, one in five Canadians has a direct connection to the historic pier. Reopened as Canada’s immigration museum in 1999, Pier 21 celebrates Canada’s living history and the unique stories of our people.  A research centre, gift shop, café and gallery are located on site. Open year round.  For more information, please visit www.pier21.ca.