ARCAC was founded as a Society in 1982 by a group of artists who wanted to share their work and ideas with each other and their community. ARCAC is a registered charitable organization. In 1996, ARCAC acquired its own building, known as ARTSPLACE. In 1998, ARTSPLACE was awarded Canada Council funding to present contemporary, visual arts as an artist-run centre. ARTSPLACE has three galleries, residency and pop-up studio/gallery and space for workshops and performances. ARTSPLACE's juried, professional visual arts exhibitions are programmed by an arm's length committee of the Board, comprised 100% of artists. ARCAC is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA), the NS Dept. of Communities, Culture and Heritage (CCH), and through membership, donations and fundraising. ​ ARCAC has developed a province-wide and national reputation for being able to generate interesting activities and opportunities within the community. Our membership is composed of approximately 200 individuals and families who believe that involvement in the arts makes life both rewarding and fun. We run a year round schedule of workshops, classes, readings, screenings, talks and special events. Through our Scholarship Fund, we assist students of all ages who wish to pursue art-related courses of study.