Still Unfolding, Art in Schools 

Here in Unama’ki, Cape Breton, a small post-industrial community shaped by loss, and equally shaped by immense and beautiful cultures in multitudes, Mi’kmaw culture, newcomer cultures, and the many traditions that continue to thrive and take root, the arts in schools are not a luxury. They are one of the places where young people learn to see, to speak, to give form to what they feel and imagine, and to recognize themselves in one another. They are also one way the cultural life of a community continues.

Inspired by the work of Helen Hill and her filmmaking resource Recipes for Disaster, students worked with filmmaker Nelson MacDonald to create their own unique and expressive animations using direct-to-film techniques. With acrylic ink, markers, scratching tools, and storytelling, they transformed 16 mm film into one-of-a-kind animation. This film was created through the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s ArtsSmarts Program, with support from Arts Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and the Cape Breton‑Victoria Regional Centre for Education.

Created by students at Baddeck Academy, this experimental Lenticular Mural began as a simple study of contrast and grew into a large-scale work made with paper, tempera paint, and glue. As viewers move past it, the image shifts, reminding us that perspective can change what we see.

When resources grow too lean, protecting creative space becomes an act of faith in what is still unfolding, and in the voices of young people already shaping the stories of this place. Protecting space for creativity means protecting possibility and caring for generations to come.

Exhibition runs March 13 to April 11. 

Gallery 203 is open Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm and Saturday’s from 9am-3pm. Evenings and weekends on request.