There’s no question that the arts scene in Owen Sound is booming. With galleries and performance venues, dance studios and makers spaces, every medium has a place in this town. And while new venues continue to emerge and grow, one spot in particular has rooted itself at the heart of creative convergence: Harmony Centre.
This unique organization was established to meet the community’s need for an accessible, affordable cultural space. Now into its second decade of operations, Harmony Centre is a thriving artistic and social hub.
Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers led by Leigh and Frank Greaves, Harmony Centre made its home in the former Knox United Church and opened its doors in 2012. It’s been a concerted effort between the Greaves, a board of directors, volunteers, and multiple funders to procure, refurbish, and sustain the heritage building. The fact that the community has invested so fully in this endeavour speaks to the integral role that it fills.
“A large part of Harmony Centre’s success is because the place is authentically continuing the work that the building was originally crafted for – to be a place that brings all kinds of people together in an engaging and uplifting way,” says Leigh Greaves. “Designed and built over 100 years ago to welcome and support people, it continues to do just that by providing all kinds of useful spaces for sharing, creating, educating, and performing.”
The iconic building near the downtown core sets the tone for the inspiration found within. A century and a half’s worth of stories infuse the walls, layered between beautiful historic details. It offers an array of rental spaces as diverse as the community’s needs, from individual studios to the expansive Greaves Auditorium, and has been updated with modern amenities. “The building is really special, and it draws an amazing community to it,” notes Operations Manager, Amy Stewart.
Hitting the sweet spot between form and function, it seems natural that more creative minds are gravitating toward Harmony Centre as the go-to place for innovation and collaboration. After all, that’s exactly what it’s meant for.
“We understand that supporting artists helps to create a healthy and vibrant community, and it is exciting and rewarding to see both emerging and established artists achieve their vision at Harmony Centre,” Greaves shares.
Not only does the building come with great vibes, the self-sustaining organization works to ensure that the space is affordable for all. Rental rates are competitive for this area, and subsidies are available for groups and individuals within the charity’s mandate of share, create, educate and perform. “That’s really our reason for being,” explains Jeff Elie, board chair of Harmony Centre. “We’re a charitable organization, so we give [the profit] back to the community.”
The Centre hosts studios for artist Kristine Moran, vocal coach Kelda Mikalson, who runs Music Together with Kelda, and art psychotherapist Shawna Banville to name a few. It is the home of Summerfolk and Coco Love Alcorn’s Wonderland Singers. It is also home to some important community conferences such as the Small Communities Solutions Conference and Changemakers Café.
In a largely profit-driven economy, Harmony Centre stands out with its socially-focused philosophy, making it a beacon for like-minded folks. It provides a home-base for initiatives such as Solidarity Sundays and Food Not Bombs, as well as more than a dozen resident artists, small businesses, and local organizations. On top of that is a jam-packed events calendar. With more bookings than ever, and new ones being added all the time, there’s something offered for everyone.
“You walk into the place and there’s music coming from one direction, people dancing in another direction,” says Elie. “You’re immersed in this energy and creativity.”
Have you ever been in the Greaves Auditorium for a concert? The Harmony Centre regularly hosts concerts and musical events. For example, upcoming this summer there is a Wildflower Dance Arts performance exploring younger generations’ relationship with climate change on June 18, singer-songwriter Kelly McMichael brings her east coast charm on July 26 and Harmony Centre will also be the rain location for all the City of Owen Sound’s popular Harbour Nights and Midweek Music series. The acoustics are amazing; the ambience is unique. Check out their website for upcoming events and concerts.
It’s undeniable that Harmony Centre has dynamic spirit that makes it an inspiring workspace, an unrivalled concert venue, and a socially conscious community-centre.
Built for and sustained by the community, Harmony Centre is a brilliant example of the exponential good that comes from investing in local arts and culture. So, we encourage you to invest a bit of your time at the Centre real soon.
Written by Sarah Goldman
