Box Office Hours: Thursday 3:30pm-7pm | Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4pm

'Memorial': The Vision

Every community needs a reason to exist

Inspired by the many successful arts groups that have been such a large part of its history, the Ancaster Heritage Village has chosen Arts and Culture as its heart and soul.

We are well on our way to making this community a destination for artists and arts lovers alike. The Village has Fieldcote Museum and the popular Music at Fieldcote concert series. Ancaster Farmers Market and the Old Fire Hall Arts Centre. Heritage
Days and the Griffin House. Creations Gallery, the Barracks Inn, and many fine restaurants.

The Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, with the 470 seat Peller Hall, the Voortman Studio Theatre, and multiple rooms for art, film, theatre, and dance, will clearly establish the Village as an arts and culture destination. It will be a jewel in the crown of the City of Hamilton.

A new character in an old story

Memorial is located in the heart of the Ancaster Heritage Village. Formed in 1793, the Village of Ancaster is the third oldest community in Ontario. When you drive through Ancaster today one can actually see between the heritage buildings which is extremely rare for a Canadian main street. This striking three-dimensional streetscape has been, and continues to be, preserved. This unique heritage community is really a ‘master’s canvas’, albeit an unfinished one. If we paint the last strokes carefully and accurately it will remain a very special place forever. Memorial may be the most important of these strokes.

The vision for the Ancaster Village, as established by the Ancaster Heritage Village BIA, is to create a complete, liveable, walkable community sympathetic to its heritage. There is a detailed action plan for these goals, and the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre stands at the forefront of each one.

Built by the community, for the community

Our state-of-the-art, vibrant arts centre will serve as home to many of Ancaster’s successful and popular community arts groups as well as provide a venue for the community to enjoy many professional performers and artists. Construction was funded by a unique collaboration of private, municipal, and federal support, for which we are endlessly grateful. Rather than burdening taxpayers for sustainability, Memorial prefers to rely on a cooperative effort of community donations and volunteerism, as well as ticket sales. Donate Today!

And now it's your turn!

The team has spent over a decade making the dream a reality, and now we happily open the doors to sit back and watch you shine. Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or simply curious about what we’ve built, please visit your new Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre and enjoy.

Our Team

Colin Lapsley

Colin Lapsley

Executive Director
Staff
Bethany Bysma

Bethany Bysma

General Manager
Staff
Livia Sarah Jones

Livia Sarah Jones

Box Office Manager
Staff
Chase Norton

Chase Norton

Facilities Manager
Staff
Mark Tamminga

Mark Tamminga

Board Chair
Board Member
Aaron Gerrard

Aaron Gerrard

Board Member
Cindy Hawryluk

Cindy Hawryluk

Board Member
Bill Walker

Bill Walker

Board Member
Lynne Morris

Lynne Morris

Board Member
Shubha Sandill

Shubha Sandill

Board Member
Bob Wilkins

Bob Wilkins

Fundraising Chair
Board Member

Donors

The Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre is being funded through a partnership of our municipal and federal governments, as well as a significant contribution from our community. If you are able to assist the community in creating this exciting new addition, please select a method of payment below. (PayPal, cheque) All donations are tax deducible. (We will send you a taxable donation receipt.) Donations over $1000: the name of your choice will appear on the donor board in the lobby of the Centre and remain there for as long as the Centre stands…please let us know via email how you would like this to appear. (e.g. Lloyd Ferguson and Family, Karen & Bob Wilkins, etc)

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