Village of Canning – Canning Village online

Just a short drive from Canning’s main street, The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts has become a creative home for artists, performers, and community members from across Nova Scotia and beyond. Founded by long-time Canning residents Ken Schwartz and Chris O’Neill, the Centre grew out of their shared belief that art can build community and connect people through storytelling.

Ken and Chris first created Two Planks and a Passion Theatre in 1992, a touring company that brought powerful performances to audiences around the province. That same spirit of collaboration led them to establish Ross Creek, a place where artists of all ages could come together to learn, create, and be inspired.

Today, Ross Creek is known for its lively mix of arts education programs, summer camps, residencies, and live performances. Two Planks and a Passion remains at its heart, offering professional outdoor theatre each summer in the beautiful fields and forests overlooking the Bay of Fundy. As the sun sets and the firelight rises, audiences gather for performances that blend nature, creativity, and a strong sense of community.

Closer to home, Ross Creek’s connection to Canning has grown through the Ross Creek Annex, located right in the village. The Annex has become a welcoming space for local events, afterschool programs, concerts, and community suppers. Its kitchen and garden program brings people together around healthy food, while the upstairs hall and downstairs studio provide room for workshops, recordings, and creative projects.

At its heart, Ross Creek is about people: artists, students, neighbours, and volunteers who share in a vision of creativity and connection. Through their leadership and love for the community, Ken and Chris have built something remarkable, a place that celebrates imagination, learning, and belonging.

If you haven’t yet visited, stop by for a Community Arts Sunday, see a performance, or simply walk the trails. You’ll find that Ross Creek is much more than an arts centre; it is part of the spirit of Canning itself.