The Town of Yarmouth is pleased to announce the acquisition of 341 Main Street. This historic building is an important piece of infrastructure on Main Street, and it’s getting a new life!
The building will be repurposed to help create a vibrant arts and culture hub in the heart of our downtown, representing an important investment in our community's future. 341 Main Street will be a place where creativity thrives, helping our economy grow and giving people of all ages chances to get involved with the arts. Think music, art shows, community events, and more – bringing in tourists and creating fun opportunities for everyone. We are thrilled to have partnered with the AGNS to transfer ownership of the building back to the Town of Yarmouth so it can be used as a centre for the broader arts community in the region, and we're excited to work with the community to make this vision a reality!
The first event will be Nova Scotia Music Week, October 23-26, so be sure to get your tickets and get ready for more exciting things to come! More details and announcements will follow shortly down the road. Until then, you can get answers to frequently asked questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Town of Yarmouth Pay for the building?
The Town of Yarmouth paid $1 for the building. The most important part of this transfer is about two partners, the AGNS and the Town of Yarmouth, recognizing the important role of the arts in the community and working together to find a solution that will further bolster the arts sector in Western Nova Scotia.
How did this come about?
Following the closure of the AGNS Western Branch the Town of Yarmouth (Mayor Pam Mood) approached the AGNS to see if they were willing to transfer ownership of the building to the Town of Yarmouth. The Town of Yarmouth is now working with the community to establish a more formal arts offering in the building.
How will the Town of Yarmouth be using the space?
The space has been traditionally used for the visual arts, which will continue. The hope is to see a broader range of offerings that could include music, community-based activities and events, and other offerings within the arts sector.
What kind of offerings can residents expect to see?
The hope is that this building will play a key role in developing an arts and culture hub, consistent with the town’s downtown blueprint plan. Specific offerings will be determined later after some discussions and community engagement.
What are the immediate maintenance requirements?
With any building, there are going to be maintenance requirements. Some elements of the building, like the roof, are coming to the end of their life. Town of Yarmouth staff will work to determine any work that needs to be completed.
What community groups will be operating in the space?
The town is actively working with a community arts group on a use agreement to operate the building. The timing of signing an agreement has yet to be determined–more will be announced later.
When does the Town of Yarmouth expect to open the new space?
The first event will be Nova Scotia Music Week, October 23-26, 2025. Additional events will be scheduled later once a community arts group is in place to operate the building.
How will the AGNS continue to contribute to this region?
AGNS school programs and its Autism Arts program have been continuing in the region. With the right operator in this space, there is an opportunity for expanded arts programming by the AGNS through community partnerships.