ACOA News Release: Turret Arts Space Society taking big steps toward redeveloping historic building as community space

Government of Canada helps bring beloved art facility back to Downtown Halifax 

February 28, 2023 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced an investment of $200,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Turret Arts Space Society. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will help the Society finalize its plans for redeveloping 1588 Barrington Street (formerly the “Khyber building”) into a multipurpose arts space. The Turret Arts Space will preserve the heritage elements of the building while ensuring the space is fully accessible. The business plan will focus on programming for local artists, with an emphasis on social purpose. These plans are phase one of an extensive redevelopment project. The finished facility will be physically, financially, and culturally accessible, keeping in line with the building’s legacy of inclusion for equity-seeking artists and communities.