A new arts co-op on Lorne Street aims to keep creative work – and profits – in the hands of artists.
A new not-for-profit artist-run collective in Sackville is marking its official grand opening this Saturday at 25 Lorne Street, after several months of preparation and use by local creators. The Living Things Arts Collective offers artists a place to sell their work, host workshops, and connect with the community.
Hear the story below:
Alana Morouney is a Sackville-based sculptor and textile artist who helped organize the group. They are inviting all to attend. Saturday’s event will give visitors a chance to meet the artists and see what the space has become.
CHMA News spoke to Morouney briefly Wednesday night.
“This is a collective of ceramicists, textile artists, painters, illustrators, and they’ll all be selling their work, sharing their work, and all of the profit from their sales goes back to the artist. This is not-for-profit exhibit space. So if anyone is curious about becoming a member, they should come on down and take a look. And they’re very welcome to ask questions.”
A growing need for artist spaces
Earlier this fall, Morouney appeared at a Tantramar budget meeting on September 23, speaking about the need for more places where artists can sell their work year-round. They presented on behalf of Everybody Altogether, a non-profit artist co-op that has taken on the lease for the space and invested volunteer time in setting it up.
She told council,
“Tantramar is a hub for arts and culture and is known throughout the Maritimes as a thriving arts community. However, there is a shortage of spaces where artists can sell their work. Commission-based structures at private businesses typically take 30%-40% percent of the sale price, and we want to put that money back in the hands of artists. Space is limited for sales in town. Multiple artists cannot display their work in existing venues, whether for accessibility of the space or an economic barrier for losing such a large portion of their sales.”
Volunteer effort and community support
At the time, Morouney told councillors the group was made up of 14 members and had already logged more than 75 volunteer hours since taking on the space. They said the collective hopes to refine the storefront after the busy holiday season and move into a second phase of development in 2026, which they had hoped to receive help with through a municipal sponsorship grant.
“Self-expression and learning new skills improves emotional literacy, mental wellbeing, and self-confidence. And the act of creativity is transforming, but so is bringing art into people’s lives.” she said. “People genuinely want to support local businesses, and that includes buying handmade from local artists. We’ve had an outpouring of support since getting the keys to this space, and I know that community engagement with strong financial support from our municipality will ensure a mutually beneficial outcome as a rising tide floats all boats.”
The Living Things Arts Collective’s official opening runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 25 Lorne Street in Sackville.
Learn more about the collective here:
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