Student Audience Series

The School Audience Series connects students with high-quality live performances that educate, inspire, and engage. By providing access to professional artists and meaningful cultural experiences, the program enriches learning beyond the classroom and helps students develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

In partnership with Halifax Regional Arts, the Bella Rose Arts Centre presents up to eight performances annually for school audiences through a barrier-free, no-cost model. During the 2024–25 and 2025–26 school years, more than 4,000 students each year attended performances at the Bella Rose, gaining access to inspiring artistic experiences that might otherwise be unavailable.

Through performances that combine entertainment with educational value, students are exposed to diverse perspectives, creative expression, and the power of storytelling. The initiative strengthens connections between schools, artists, and the broader community while helping cultivate the next generation of arts audiences, advocates, and patrons.

Education Through Arts Grant

The Bella Rose Arts Centre’s Education Through Arts Grant supports artists in creating original performances that bring educational topics to life through drama, music, dance, storytelling, and other performing arts disciplines.

Each year, two grants will be awarded to artists or arts organizations to develop engaging, curriculum-connected works designed for youth audiences. These projects combine educational content with the power of live performance to create meaningful and memorable learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

The initiative reflects the Bella Rose Arts Centre’s commitment to supporting artists, fostering innovation in arts education, and providing young people with accessible, high-quality cultural experiences. Through this funding, artists are empowered to create work that enriches classroom learning while encouraging imagination, empathy, and lifelong engagement with the arts.

Artists and arts organizations with innovative ideas that educate, inspire, and engage young audiences are encouraged to apply. Submissions will open in fall 2026.

Creative access Program

The Creative Access Program at the Bella Rose Arts Centre provides Nova Scotia–based performing artists and arts organizations with free access to professional rehearsal and staging space. By reducing barriers to high-quality facilities, the program supports artists in developing, refining, and presenting their work while strengthening the province’s creative ecosystem. Designed for rehearsal and staging use, the initiative encourages collaboration, innovation, and community connection. Although technical services are not included, applicants may access audio, lighting, video, and recording support at subsidized rates, helping artists bring their creative visions to life in a professional environment.

The Bella Rose will post new applications monthly with available dates for the following month based on availability.