Cape Breton arts and culture organizations unite for fundraiser
“This lottery is a collective act of love for our arts, our languages, and our heritage.”
Thirteen arts, culture and community organizations from across Cape Breton have united for a fundraiser in response to recent provincial funding cuts.
The Home of Our Hearts Lottery, a collaborative 50/50 raffle fundraiser on RaffleBox, went live April 8, with draws taking place every two weeks.
Proceeds will be shared equally among the 13 participating charities and non-profit organizations.
The 13 organizations taking part are:
- Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
- Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative
- Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village
- Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College
- Savoy Theatre
- Cabot Trail Writers Festival
- Inverness County Centre for the Arts
- Celtic Colours International Festival
- Highland Arts Theatre
- Eltuek Arts Centre
- La Société Saint-Pierre (Les Trois Pignons)
- Société Mi-Carême
- Theatre Baddeck
“This is about survival, but it’s also about community,” said Lori Burke, executive director of the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design. “When 13 organizations come together like this, it sends a powerful message that arts and culture are not a luxury in Cape Breton, they are the heartbeat of who we are. Every ticket purchased is a vote for keeping creativity, craft, and connection alive in our communities.”
Lisette Aucoin-Bourgeois of La Société Saint-Pierre (Les Trois Pignons) emphasized the importance of the fundraiser for Francophone and Acadian cultural institutions.
“The budget cuts affect us deeply, but what moves us even more is the generosity of our community. This lottery is a collective act of love for our arts, our languages, and our heritage.”
Mora Purcell and Jason Jardine of Celtic Colours International Festival spoke about the very real consequences of reduced funding for arts, culture, and heritage organizations.
“It has a real impact on the work we all do and the communities we serve, creating pressure to reassess what’s possible and, in some cases, leading to fewer programs and the loss of jobs,” their statement reads.
“With less operational and project funding available, it becomes harder to deliver the experiences people count on. This lottery is a great example of how we can all come together to support one another. We’re proud to be a part of it, alongside the other organizations, and grateful to everyone who buys a ticket.”
Tickets are available online through RaffleBox. Winners will be contacted directly to claim their prize. The lottery is open to residents of Nova Scotia.
Cape Breton Post, April 9, 2026
Listen to the full interview with Mora Purcell from Celtic Colours International Festival and Lori Burke from the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design on CBC Radio’s Mainstreet Cape Breton here.
