Discover Central Newfoundland
Exploits Connect: Arts, Culture & Heritage
Step into the creative heart of Central Newfoundland, where stories come alive through vibrant art, rich traditions, and unforgettable performances. From local galleries and community theatres to historic landmarks and cultural festivals, Grand Falls-Windsor offers a thriving arts and heritage scene that celebrates the spirit and history of our region. Whether you’re an artist, a history buff, or simply curious, there’s something inspiring around every corner.
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Art Galleries & Studios:
Grand Falls-Windsor boasts a vibrant arts community, with several galleries and studios showcasing the talents of local and regional artists. These spaces not only exhibit diverse artworks but also offer services like custom framing and art classes. Here’s a curated list of notable art venues in the area:
🖼️ Sweeney's Art Gallery & Custom Framing
Located in downtown Grand Falls-Windsor, Sweeney’s Art Gallery offers a diverse collection of artwork from local and regional artists. The gallery provides a welcoming space for art enthusiasts to explore various forms of artistic expression and also offers high-quality custom picture framing services.
🖼️ Hunter's Framing & Gallery
🖼️ Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts
Named in honor of actor and writer Gordon Pinsent, a proud native of Grand Falls-Windsor, this center features two art galleries: one housing permanent collections and another temporary gallery showcasing works by local, regional, and provincial artists. The center also hosts a variety of performances and cultural events, enriching the town’s artistic landscape.
🖼️ Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Centre
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Art in Central Newfoundland
These venues collectively contribute to the thriving arts scene in Grand Falls-Windsor, providing platforms for artists to display their work and for the community to engage with the arts. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a casual visitor, these galleries and studios offer enriching experiences that celebrate the region’s creative spirit.
Historical Sites:
Grand Falls-Windsor is rich in history, with several sites and landmarks that offer insights into its cultural and industrial heritage. Here are some notable historical sites in the area:
🏛️ Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Centre
Located at 7 Scott Avenue, this centre houses thousands of historical photos, documents, and artifacts detailing the town’s development, particularly its origins tied to the pulp and paper industry. Visitors can explore exhibits both indoors and outdoors, including equipment used by the former paper company. The centre also features a genealogy section and serves as the local visitor information hub.
🏺 Demasduit Regional Museum
Situated at 24 St. Catherine Street, this museum delves into the rich history of Central Newfoundland. Exhibits highlight Indigenous cultures, including the Beothuk, and trace the region’s evolution through European settlement and industrial growth. The museum is named after Demasduit, one of the last known Beothuk people.
🏢 Harmsworth Hall
Atlantic Salmon Fishing: The Exploits River is renowned for its Atlantic salmon population, with over 25,000 salmon migrating through its waters annually. Anglers can enjoy some of the best salmon fishing on the East Coast of Canada. The Salmonid Interpretation Centre offers insights into the life cycle of salmon and conservation efforts in the region.
⛪ St. Matthew’s Presbyterian Church
🏡 Grand Falls House
Once the residence of the mill manager, Grand Falls House and its surrounding grounds have been recognized as a Municipal Heritage Site. The property reflects the town’s early 20th-century industrial roots and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of its former inhabitants.
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Grand Falls
Cultural Events:
Grand Falls-Windsor boasts a vibrant cultural scene, offering a variety of festivals, theater performances, and community gatherings that celebrate the town’s rich heritage and artistic spirit. Here are some notable events and organizations contributing to the cultural tapestry of the community:
🎉 Exploits Valley Salmon Festival
Held annually in July, the Exploits Valley Salmon Festival is a five-day celebration featuring music, food, and community events. The 2025 festival honored the legacy of hometown icon Gordon Pinsent with events such as the Gordon Pinsent Statue Unveiling, live performances by local artists, and family-friendly activities like the Babar Family Fun Afternoon at Gorge Park. The festival also included themed events like “The Codfather Night,” offering a codfish supper and live music, and “The Rowdyman Pub Crawl,” a spirited evening inspired by Pinsent’s iconic film.
🎭 Northcliffe Drama Club
Established in 1949, the Northcliffe Drama Club is a cornerstone of the local arts community. The club has a rich history of promoting and performing theatrical productions, including being the first to present a Newfoundland play at the Dominion Drama Festival in 1956. Northcliffe continues to support school drama programs and has provided scholarships to community members pursuing theater studies.
🎶 Central Music Festival
Formerly known as the Central Newfoundland Kiwanis Music Festival, the Central Music Festival is an annual event celebrating the musical talents of school-aged children, youth, and community members. The festival provides participants with opportunities to showcase their skills in music and choral speech, benefiting from the guidance of expert adjudicators. The 2025 festival marked its inaugural year under the new banner, continuing a tradition of musical excellence in the region.
🎟️ Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts
Named in honor of the renowned actor and writer Gordon Pinsent, this center serves as a hub for the performing arts in Grand Falls-Windsor. The venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts, theater productions, and cultural performances, contributing to the town’s dynamic arts scene.
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Events in Central NL.
These events and organizations reflect the vibrant cultural life of Grand Falls-Windsor, offering residents and visitors alike opportunities to engage with the arts and celebrate the community’s rich heritage.
Indigenous Experiences:
Grand Falls-Windsor and the surrounding Exploits Region offer enriching opportunities to engage with Indigenous cultures, particularly those of the Mi’kmaq and Beothuk peoples. Through museums, cultural events, and community initiatives, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the area’s Indigenous heritage.
🏛️ Demasduit Regional Museum
Located in Grand Falls-Windsor, the Demasduit Regional Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits detailing over 5,000 years of Indigenous history in Central Newfoundland. The museum features cultural objects from the Maritime Archaic Indians, Palaeoeskimo, Beothuk, and Mi’kmaq peoples, offering insights into their resilient and resourceful ways of life.
🎉 National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations
Each year on June 21st, Grand Falls-Windsor hosts events to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Activities often include Indigenous-led cultural ceremonies, drum circles, and traditional foods, providing an opportunity for community members and visitors to honor and learn about Indigenous cultures.
🤝 Exploits Aboriginal Community Group
🌿 Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association (NLITA)
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The Exploits River
Indigenous heritage
Engaging with these organizations and events provides meaningful ways to connect with the rich Indigenous heritage of Grand Falls-Windsor and the Exploits Region, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultures that have shaped the area.