About the Centre
Support the Centre
Art Gallery
Arts Education
Choral Music
Heritage
On Stage
Live @ the Centre
Quick Facts
A Centre for All Canadians
Located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island — the birthplace of Confederation — the Centre was constructed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 where Canada was first proposed. Built as a national memorial to Confederation, the Centre’s goal was to celebrate Canada and its people through the arts. Since then, Confederation Centre of the Arts has evolved to become a national convening place for conversations on the evolution of Canada through the lens of visual and performing arts, and heritage activities.
TEACHING HOURS each year through arts education programming
VISITORS to the Centre annually
Pieces in the Centre's collection
JOBS created in arts, culture, tourism and other industries
Confederation Centre of the Arts operates on Epekwitk, in the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. We work in collaboration and friendship with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists and storytellers from across Canada to promote cultural learning and understanding.
Filling an entire city block, the Centreis a hub of activity that draws millions of visitors and has a significant impact on the regional economy. It houses two theatres, an art gallery, full conference and food and beverage facilities, and spaces for arts education programming. Open year-round, the Centre showcases the best in Canadian visual and performing arts.
The Charlottetown Festival
The Charlottetown Festival is held each summer at Confederation Centre of the Arts. The Festival is a leader in Canadian musical theatre and has launched more than 80 original productions, with many touring across Canada and beyond. Home to the world-renowned Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ since 1965, the Festival presents everything from Broadway favourites such as Jersey Boys, and Mamma Mia!, to Indigenous songs, stories, and dance from the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, to more recent Canadian productions Tell Tale Harbour and MAGGIE.
Did you know that the Centre has created more than 80 original Canadian musical theatre productions since opening in 1964?
A National Effort
Every Canadian played a part in building Confederation Centre of the Arts. In 1964, the provinces each contributed 15 cents per capita, and the federal government matched it with an additional 15 cents per Canadian for a total of $5.6 million to construct the facility. In other words, each Canadian citizen contributed 30 cents to build a national memorial. This was the first time that all provinces agreed to invest in an institution outside their boundaries.
Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson | Opening Ceremonies for Confederation Centre of the Arts, October 6, 1964
Learn more about the Centre
Contact 902-628-1864 or [email protected]