History

In 1999 the Friends of Paris Culture established the Cobblestone Festival, a theatre and heritage arts venue based on the Chautauqua model of learning through entertainment.

The depth of the arts in the community and a need for a gathering place led to the formation of the Brant Arts, Culture and Heritage (BACH) group. Grants from the Trillium Foundation and HRSDC, allowed the group to undertake a market survey.

The result of the survey identified a need for a multi-purpose centre with a medium sized performance space, rehearsal studio and workshop, gallery for art and heritage exhibits, community meeting area, commercial space and a visitor's centre for the County.

In 2003 BACH hired the Ventin Group to conduct a feasibility study which further defined the need. The ensuing Business Plan concluded that the Centre could operate on a break even or better basis.

Late in the summer of 2006, the County of Brant donated the land for the building on the banks of the Grand River opposite downtown Paris.