Antigonish, Nova Scotia, residents are gathering this Wednesday for a rally to support local arts and culture after the provincial government announced major budget cuts. The event is being organized to show the community’s backing for cultural programs that are currently at risk due to new spending changes.
The demonstration will take place on March 4, 2026, outside the office of local MLA Michelle Thompson from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Community members are protesting a 20 to 30 per cent reduction in operating grants for arts organizations that was included in the 2026-27 provincial budget.
According to budget details, the province plans to permanently close 12 of its 28 museums and stop the Artists in the Schools program. Local artist and educator Jenn Priddle is helping lead the effort, noting that these programs are essential for the region’s schools and local economy.
The Nova Scotia Arts Coalition is asking the government to restore the funding immediately. They argue that the $130 million in savings is a small fraction of the total $18.9 billion provincial budget.
While the provincial government says the cuts are necessary to manage the deficit and fund essential services like healthcare, supporters in Antigonish believe the changes will cause long-term damage. They are encouraging everyone to attend the rally and show how much they value local culture and heritage.
