Hosting Your Event at the Sanctuary Arts Centre
Say Hello to Dartmouth's New Home for the Creative Arts!
Thank you for your interest in The Sanctuary Arts Centre. We're incredibly proud of our facility and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable and confident that your event will be a great one!
This Old Building
There's no mistaking the 100+ years of history behind this building
The Sanctuary Arts Centre is housed inside what was originally the former home of the "First Baptist Church Dartmouth."
For years, the First Baptist church stood at the corner of Ochterloney and Wentworth Street in Dartmouth. After it was sadly destroyed in the Halifax Explosion, the parishioners hired renowned architect Andrew Cobb to design and build a new home out of steel and stone to ensure it would never fall again. You can still find a foundation stone on the front of the church, marking its finished construction in 1921.
From its bold stone face to its peaked roof (which, fun fact, is actually shaped like a crucifix from above) the Arts Centre is an unmissable landmark, centrally located in Downtown Dartmouth.
As you enter the Sanctuary Hall, your eye will undoubtedly be drawn to the deep stage, acoustic arches (once used to amplify a grand pipe organ), the wide capacity wooden church pews with gently slopping theatre floors (every seat is a great one!) and, of course, the artist crafted stained glass windows.
About The Arts Centre
A small but mighty team in front, and behind the scenes
The Sanctuary Arts Centre is operated by the "Halifax Art and Performance Association," a local not-for-profit dedicated to supporting the vibrant community of artists, creatives, and performers in Dartmouth, Halifax, and throughout HRM.
The Sanctuary Arts Centre is the ideal destination for any artist looking to perform or exhibit their work. Our performance space has been lovingly renovated (from its original form as a 100-year-old church) with modern amenities and a passionate team that strives to support local art. We invite all forms of art from beginner to professional level, with programs and events happening all year round.
From bold shows to intimate concerts to art exhibitions or first time shows, Our team works hard to create an inviting atmosphere where all are welcomed and celebrated with open arms. The Sanctuary Arts Centre is the perfect place to take your artistry to the next level!
What type of event are you planning?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a full day if the event is only a few hours?
Yes, any event booking will be considered a full-day rental.
Regardless of the length of the event itself, the venue is considered occupied and dedicated to the event taking place that day.
In rare cases, you may be able to take advantage of an opening in our "Hourly Booking Schedule."
However, these opportunities can be rare and often don't have the same access and service items as an event booking.
Do you have a box office or ushers?
We do not have an active box office, but we have partnered with HRMevents.com to be able to manage online ticket sales for events.
You are, however, free to use any ticketing or Box Office platform you wish.
We will include front-of-house operations for most rentals involving ticketed events in the Hall and Downstairs space.
Can alcohol be served and consumed at the event?
Yes, we offer a cash bar service for ticketed events.
We carry a curated selection of products. No outside alcohol is permitted inside the space without our permission (this is a regulation attached to our permit); however, we can attempt to accommodate any special requests you may have.
Can I hire my own vendors and bring my own equipment if I rent your space?
Of course! You're welcome to bring in your own equipment, staff and vendors when using the space. We only ask that you adhere to the rules and regulations laid out in your contract/rental agreement.
Do I need to pay for my setup and takedown time?
Yes, in order to be fair to the other folks renting the space, you should factor your load in/out and set up/tear down time into the rental schedule.
Do I have 24-hour access to the space during a standard "day rental"
The short answer is "no." To access the space, you will still need to coordinate with a member of our team. That's why it's important to outline your schedule when forming the rental contract. If you end up needing to amend your schedule/plan for accessing the space, you'll need to coordinate with a member of our team (please know we always do our best to accommodate).
Are there additional (hidden) costs outside the rental rate?
We charge a refundable deposit on our rentals to cover incidentals or damage. This charge will be disclosed on your rental contract and invoice, as well as a description of any possible fees or penalties.
We do have additional services outside of our standard rental. You can learn more about these additional options on the form below or by contacting our team via email.
We also charge a tax of 15% on our rentals and services, and a payment processing fee may be charged if you pay your contract online via debit or credit. You will see these charges outlined in your contract.