'Memorial': The Vision

Every community needs a reason to exist

Inspired by the many successful arts groups that have been such a large part of its history, the Ancaster Heritage Village has chosen Arts and Culture as its heart and soul.

We are well on our way to making this community a destination for artists and arts lovers alike. The Village has Fieldcote Museum and the popular Music at Fieldcote concert series. Ancaster Farmers Market and the Old Fire Hall Arts Centre. Heritage
Days and the Griffin House. Creations Gallery, the Barracks Inn, and many fine restaurants.

The Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, with the 470 seat Peller Hall, the Voortman Studio Theatre, and multiple rooms for art, film, theatre, and dance, will clearly establish the Village as an arts and culture destination. It will be a jewel in the crown of the City of Hamilton.

A new character in an old story

Memorial is located in the heart of the Ancaster Heritage Village. Formed in 1793, the Village of Ancaster is the third oldest community in Ontario. When you drive through Ancaster today one can actually see between the heritage buildings which is extremely rare for a Canadian main street. This striking three-dimensional streetscape has been, and continues to be, preserved. This unique heritage community is really a ‘master’s canvas’, albeit an unfinished one. If we paint the last strokes carefully and accurately it will remain a very special place forever. Memorial may be the most important of these strokes.

The vision for the Ancaster Village, as established by the Ancaster Heritage Village BIA, is to create a complete, liveable, walkable community sympathetic to its heritage. There is a detailed action plan for these goals, and the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre stands at the forefront of each one.

Built by the community, for the community

Our state-of-the-art, vibrant arts centre will serve as home to many of Ancaster’s successful and popular community arts groups as well as provide a venue for the community to enjoy many professional performers and artists. Construction was funded by a unique collaboration of private, municipal, and federal support, for which we are endlessly grateful. Rather than burdening taxpayers for sustainability, Memorial prefers to rely on a cooperative effort of community donations and volunteerism, as well as ticket sales. Donate Today!

And now it's your turn!

The team has spent over a decade making the dream a reality, and now we happily open the doors to sit back and watch you shine. Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or simply curious about what we’ve built, please visit your new Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre and enjoy.

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