About

The CCA is a municipally operated community arts centre that enriches and engages area residents, artists and organizations through the provision of quality artistic experiences and opportunities that stimulate, promote and support the arts in Cambridge. The CCA encourages participation and inspires an appreciation for the arts.

The Cambridge Centre for the Arts (CCA) opened in May 2001. The City of Cambridge owns the CCA and works in partnership with the Cambridge Arts Guild (CAG) to manage and operate the Centre.

How did it start?
Approved by Council in January 1998, the CAG guided the development of this participatory centre for the arts from conception to completion. The first Chair to lead the CAG was Jill Summerhayes.

The CAG formed partnerships with all levels of government - municipal, provincial and federal - to raise funds for the Centre's $2.6 million renovation cost. They raised $500,000 toward the project and the City of Cambridge funded the remaining cost. At that time, no other community group had raised this amount of money for a municipal project.

About 60 Dickson Street:
In 1921, the Public Utilities Commission (now the CCA building) was the first all steel structure to be built in Ontario. There was great civic pride when Sir Adam Beck, the father of Ontario Hydro, officially opened the building in 1922.

It was the Ontario Hydro building for more than 60 years before they relocated. The building was vacant until 1990 when the City renovated the front half for a seniors' centre, located at the corner of Dickson and Wellington streets.

The Cambridge Centre for the Arts is fully accessible. Accessible parking is available (with the proper permit) in the Beverly Street Parking Lot. Two-hour accessible parking is also available behind Cambridge City Hall located at 50 Dickson Street.

Become a member of the Cambridge Centre for the Arts! Your membership includes:

• Subscription to our CCA Newsletter: This printed brochure outlines all CCA program offerings and is mailed to your home twice per year.
• 15 per cent discount on all registered programs
• Ability to purchase an annual Parking Pass for unlimited use in the Civic and the Beverly Street Lots

The City’s Arts and Culture team recruits volunteers throughout the year to assist a range of programming.  Volunteer roles include:

• Assisting with events including Art Attic, Cookies & Kids Theatre performances, and art markets
• Supporting Gallery Exhibition openings
• Helping us promote our programs

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

The Cambridge Centre for the Arts is proud to partner with the Cambridge Arts Guild, a passionate group of volunteers dedicated to supporting arts and culture in our community. The Guild provides valuable input and fundraising support that helps bring our programs to life.

We’re incredibly grateful to the many volunteers who donate their time, skills, and energy, as well as the local businesses whose financial contributions make a real difference.

You can support creative programs for children and the wider community by donating to the Cambridge Arts Guild.