All NSCAD campuses closed at noon, February 24, 2024 due to freezing rain. All campuses will reopen at 9 a.m. on February 25.

NSCAD University takes a bold step towards an accessible, unified campus at Halifax Seaport

(K’jipuktuk/Halifax, NS) – NSCAD University (NSCAD) today announced it has signed a long-term agreement with the Halifax Port Authority to create an accessible, unified campus that will be the cornerstone of the vibrant creative and social district at the Halifax Seaport.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with the Halifax Port Authority as part of the ongoing transformation and revitalization of the Halifax Seaport District, our community, and our city over the coming years,” said NSCAD President Dr. Peggy Shannon. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to dream big and extend our established brand into placemaking at a reimagined destination on the waterfront. NSCAD has always been one of Canada’s premiere art and design universities. It’s our time to step back onto the world stage with an iconic new campus – a purpose-built, accessible facility that will support and inspire creativity of the next generation of students.”

NSCAD helps creators and makers flourish in a sector that is increasingly important to the success of Nova Scotia’s regional economic development goals, cultural action plan, and economic diversification.

NSCAD’s current Port Campus, which is located near the newly leased spaces at Shed 22 and Shed 23, is one of the university’s three distinct sites in downtown Halifax.

Dr. Shannon said reuniting NSCAD’s community in one location at the Seaport will help leading-edge artistic pursuits and cultural exchanges engage the community and encourage response. Creating a stronger sense of community will also promote equity, diversity and inclusion, and enhance organizational and operational sustainability.

The leased spaces at Shed 22 and 23 will add approximately 100,000 square feet to NSCAD’s existing footprint at Port Campus to better serve the spatial and programmatic needs of the art school’s vision for the future.

“NSCAD has been an important part of our Seaport community for many years and has helped shape the district into the arts and cultural destination it has become,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “With this next evolution of Nova Scotia’s premiere art and design institution, we are thrilled to continue along this path together.”

Dr. Shannon noted that while finalizing the lease with the Halifax Port Authority is an essential first step, there is much engagement and planning work ahead with the NSCAD community before any aspect of design begins, and all aspects of the project will evolve over the coming years.

For more information, visit https://nscad.ca/about-us/major-construction-projects.