Relation: five emerging artists
DATE: Dec 5 — Feb 28, 2026
LOCATION:
Events Events / Eltuek Gallery 203
Eltuek (el-du-eg) is a Mi’kmaw word that means “We are making (it) together.” The (it) refers to whatever it is (we) decide to make – art, ideas, music, community, social change. Eltuek Arts Centre is accessible, inclusive, and continuous.
Eltuek Arts Centre is a home for artists, ideas, and community. Operated by New Dawn Enterprises, we are a non-profit, artist-led cultural centre located in the former Holy Angels Convent in Sydney’s north end. We offer affordable, inclusive, and beautiful spaces for creative work, gathering, and exchange.
At Eltuek, you’ll find:
Private artist studios and shared Open Studio workspaces
Gallery and exhibition spaces
Creative event and meeting venues for public and private use
Cafe Marie — our beloved cafe and catering social enterprise
The Meals on Wheels kitchen
Arts and community organizations who call the building home
We believe in the transformative power of the arts — their ability to ignite hope, spark dialogue, build connection, and change how we see ourselves and each other. We work to make the arts more visible and more vital by removing barriers to access, centring artists, and creating spaces that honour beauty, dignity, and care.
DATE: Dec 5 — Feb 28, 2026
LOCATION:
Events Events / Eltuek Gallery 203
DATE: Feb 7 — Jun 27, 2026
LOCATION: Corridor Gallery
DATE: Aug 10 — Oct 12, 2025
LOCATION:
Events Events / Eltuek Gallery 203
DATE: May 1 — Jun 28, 2025
LOCATION:
Events Events / Eltuek Gallery 203
DATE: Jan 31 — Mar 22, 2025
LOCATION: Gallery 203
Eltuek Arts Centre affordable workspaces for artists, arts collectives and organizations, as well as gathering and event space rentals for the community. Eltuek features a variety of spaces available for events, conferences, retreats, weddings, book clubs, classes, presentations, board meetings, and much more. The building features contemporary design with high ceilings, public art, lots of natural light, and several areas of exposed foundation stone.
1,598 sq ft (111 Person Capacity))
1,061 sq ft (60 Person Capacity)
216 sq ft
Accessibility
Eltuek Arts Centre is fully accessible.
Barrier-free access is available at the main entrance off George Street, the South Stairwell, and the West Entry.
The elevator is located near the Main Entrance on the First Floor.
Accessible washrooms are available on each floor.
Parking
We encourage active and public transportation for all visitors to Eltuek.
There are two accessible parking spots located in front of the main entrance off George Street.
Parking is available on-site: in front of the building via George Street, in the Nepean Street parking lot, and behind the New Dawn Centre (off Charlotte Street).
There is street parking available on George Street, as well as Charlotte and Yorke Streets.
Internet
Wi-Fi is available.
Booking hours
Monday to Sunday, 8:00am – 10:00pm
Catering
Catering is available and provided by Café Marie Catering.
For more information, please visit cafemarie.ca or contact: catering@newdawn.ca
Facebook: @cafemariecafe | Instagram: @cafemariecafe
External catering is permitted; however, Eltuek Arts Centre assumes no legal responsibility or liability arising from external catering. You (“the Renter”) are responsible for cleaning up all catering-related materials and waste at the end of the event. Additional cleaning fees may apply if this is not completed.
Regarding alcohol service, aside from Café Marie (which holds a valid liquor licence), all other spaces are required to obtain the Special Occasion Liquor Licence.
Audio/Visual
Our venue is equipped with:
*If you require extra assistance with A/V design, set up, and production support for your event, please contact NovaStream: contact@novastream.ca
Included
Available to Rent:
Disclaimer
You (“The Renter”) understand this is a tentative booking and the event rental and catering, if applicable, are not confirmed until the contract is signed.
The Renter shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements to the premises without the prior written consent of the Eltuek Arts Centre.
The Renter shall comply with all rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, and laws of all governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the premises.
The Renter shall not sublet or assign the premises nor allow any other person or business to use or occupy the premises without the prior written consent of the Eltuek Arts Centre, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.
At the end of the term of this rental agreement, the Renter shall surrender and deliver up the premises in the same condition.
Cancellation Policy
Please be courteous and advise us as soon as possible if you need to make changes to your booking. Any cancellation less than 24 hours prior to the start of your event will result in a fee equivalent to 50% of your initial estimate, plus the full cost of any additional items, A/V setup, linens, etc.
Inclement Weather Policy
Eltuek Arts Centre follows the same cancellation policy as Cape Breton University. Building closures to the public will be posted on the Centre’s social media @eltuekarts
Special Requests
Special requests are subject to an additional charge based on need and availability (A/V setup, additional tables & chairs, linens, etc).
Event Rental Rates
All rates are subject to HST. Registered Not-For-Profits, registered Charities, and tenants are granted a discount on all rates (before HST). Proof of Not-For-Profit or Charitable status is required when booking.
Default
Upon default in any term or condition of this Rental Agreement, the Eltuek Arts Centre shall have the right to undertake any or all other remedies permitted by Law.
If you are interested in booking a space at Eltuek Arts Centre, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Indigenous and non-profit rates are available.
Open to the public Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Special events may take place in the evenings and on weekends.
We are located in the north end of Sydney, adjacent to the New Dawn Centre. Our main entrance is located at 170 George Street. There is an entrance at the south stairwell and at the rear of the building, the west entry.
The elevator is centrally located and has seven levels (upper and lower floors). Cafe Marie is located on the 2nd floor (2U on the elevator).
Hours
Our building is open to the public on Monday through Saturday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Special events may take place in the evenings and on weekends.
Location
We are located in the north end of Sydney, adjacent to the New Dawn Centre. Our main entrance is located at 170 George Street. There is an entrance at the south stairwell and at the rear of the building, the west entry. The elevator is centrally located and has seven levels (upper and lower floors).
Cafe Marie is located on the second floor of the building (2U on the elevator).
Accessibility
Accessibility is an integral issue for our community of artists, cultural workers, and partner organizations, and within our programming and operations.
Barrier-free access is available at all building entrances and throughout the grounds.
The elevator is centrally located. We are committed to advising our tenants and visitors to the building of any potential elevator service disruptions in advance, as needed, and where possible. In the case of an unplanned disruption, signage will be immediately posted and tenants notified.
Universal washrooms are available throughout the building.
Signage is available in: Mi’kmaq, English, Braille
Parking
There are two designated accessible parking spaces at the George Street entrance and two in the Nepean Street parking court.
Limited free parking spaces are available but available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are four parking spaces at the George Street entrance, the Nepean Street parking court, and at the rear of the New Dawn Centre via Charlotte Street. Paid CBRM street parking is available on surrounding streets. There is no parking behind the building in the alleyway, as this is space for emergency and service vehicles only.
Self-Guided Art Tour
We invite you to experience the public art and architecture of Eltuek Arts Centre via our self-guided tour.
Our adaptive repurposing of this heritage building, ca. 1895, illustrates our ethos of social enterprise and sustainability. It features contemporary design, high ceilings, public art, natural light, exposed foundation stone, and signage in Mi’kmaq, English, and Braille. Barrier-free access is available at all entrances, and the elevator is centrally located. Accessible, universal washrooms are available on all levels. Public Wi-Fi is available.
Ursula Johnson
Sr. Jean Elizabeth Grant, CND & Vincent Poggi
Nelson MacDonald and Scott Moore
Melissa Kearney and Nelson MacDonald
Sara Roth
Steve Wadden
Loretta Gould
Malcolm Pate
In addition to guidance from New Dawn staff and board and a Community Advisory Committee, Eltuek Arts Centre has been served and supported by an Elders Advisory Committee. The work and gatherings of the committee have been supported by the guidance and leadership of Robert Bernard and Dean Simon of Indigenous Guide Consulting Services.
We’koqma’q
Eskasoni
Wagmatcook
Membertou
Potlotek
Eltuek (êl·du·ehg) is a Mi’kmaw word that means “(We) are making (it) together.” The (it) refers to whatever it is (we) decide to make – a meal, a conversation, a painting, or a poem. Art, community, social change. We do it together. The name, Eltuek, was offered through critical conversations and reflection on reconciliation through the Eltuek Elders Advisory Group, intending that Eltuek be accessible, inclusive, and continuous.
The work of the Elder Advisory Committee also includes: Drafting a land statement for the building; Designing the process for the Kisituek Gallery; and Creating an artist residency program for Mi’kmaw artists.
Eltuek Arts Centre is a non-profit arts organization and creative hub that is owned and operated by New Dawn Enterprises. New Dawn’s work in the community would not be possible without the generous contributions of donors like you. The New Dawn Foundation is a charitable organization that empowers your money into real action in our community. Your compassion and support help to create a more vibrant and self-reliant Unama’ki, Cape Breton Island.
Eltuek is a powerful word shared with us by Mi’kmaw Elders meaning, we are making it together. Art, community, this journey. Through storytelling, poetry, visual art, sound and music, dance, performance, the arts can transform places, give people hope, start conversations, show people a way to see themselves and the world, connect, challenge, confront, bring joy, inspire with awe. Your generosity is supporting the work of artists and the creative community, every day.
"I've worked with a lot of development corporations and companies and communities, and New Dawn is a rock in our community. I love that it's the oldest community development corporation and, in my opinion, one of the most successful and sustainable in the country. I’ve always been very proud of my relationship with New Dawn."
—Annette Verschuren and Stan Shibinsky,
New Dawn donors
As a member of the non-profit New Dawn Enterprises family, all profits generated are reinvested back into our community to support programs such as New Dawn Meals on Wheels which delivers over 20,000 meals annually to those in need. Clients of New Dawn are indirectly supporting our community and for that, we thank you for choosing us!
Each year, we deliver 20,000 meals to those in need, enabling more people to live well and longer in their homes
Safe, supervised, and supportive transitional housing for youth ages 16-24.
See all Our Work
| Title | Schedule | Wage/Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
No current job postings in Eltuek Arts Centre |
|||
Cape Breton Post, August 9, 2025
AUDIO: Photographer Steve Wadden shares inspiration behind his new exhibit on CBC Radio’s Information Morning Cape Breton
Major donors Annette Verschuren and Stan Shibinsky reflect on Eltuek Arts Centre and its first five years
New Dawn Enterprises
37 Nepean St, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6A7
newdawn@newdawn.ca
902-539-9560
Join 3,000+ readers and get news from New Dawn Enterprises in your inbox.
Eymu’ti’k Unama’ki, newte’jk l’uiknek te’sikl Mi’kmawe’l maqamikall mna’q iknmuetumittl. Ula maqamikew wiaqi-wikasik Wantaqo’tie’l aqq I’lamatultimkewe’l Ankukamkewe’l Mi’kmaq aqq Eleke’wuti kisa’matultisnik 1726ek.
We are in Unama’ki, one of the seven traditional and unceded ancestral territories of the people of Mi’kma’ki. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which the Mi’kmaq first signed with the British Crown in 1726.
Ketu’-keknuite’tmek aqq kepmite’tmek ula tela’matultimkip wjit maqamikew ta’n etekl mtmo’taqne’l. Ula tett, ula maqamikek, etl-lukutiek l’tunen aqq apoqntmnen apoqnmasimk aqq weliknamk Unama’ki.
We wish to recognize and honour this understanding of the lands on which we reside. It is from here, on these lands, that we work to create and support a culture of self-reliance and vibrancy.