River Clyde Arts

After a lengthy search, River Clyde Arts (RCA) has secured a long-term home base in New Glasgow. This new home, a parcel of former farmland in the heart of the village, will provide outdoor space for RCA’s annual programming, and will be the site for the River Clyde Pageant for the next decade. 

The new site is owned by local residents and Pageant supporters Janet Lester and Ian Dickieson, and is located behind the New Glasgow Christian Church, and across the road from where the Pageant has been performed from 2016 through 2025.

The public search began in Fall 2025, rallying widespread attention and support from community members eager to ensure the Pageant could continue for the summer ahead. “We received dozens of tips and possible locations when the search began,” says Artistic Director Megan Stewart.  “When we heard from Janet and Ian about their property, it felt like the stars aligned. The space is right in New Glasgow, steps away from all the organizations and businesses that have supported us since 2016, and offers gorgeous views and landscapes for the Pageant performances. Knowing we can be here for the next ten years provides stability for program planning, and a huge opportunity to grow.”

Lester and Dickieson are pleased that the organization can remain in New Glasgow. “We have loved watching the Pageant bring so much activity to New Glasgow over the past decade, and we are happy to provide a long-term home that ensures RCA can continue to contribute to the vibrancy of our village for the decade ahead.”

The public will play a role in imagining the possibilities for this new space. A Pageant Welcome Picnic was held in June.

Site improvement work is underway on the parcel of land to prepare for this summer’s River Clyde Pageant, which runs July 23–26 and July 30–August 2. Improvements are focused on accessibility for participants and audiences visiting the site, and on environmental conservation work undertaken in partnership with the Hunter Clyde Watershed Group. Both efforts are multi-phase projects, unfolding this summer and in the years to come. 

Accessibility improvements, which include audience seating and gathering spaces, a trail, wayfinding signage, and an accessible outhouse for on-site work are being supported by the RBC Barrier Buster Grants Program, the Cavendish Destination Management Fund, Cymbria Lions Club, and Twin Pines Tree Service. 

RCA is a community arts organization, producing a season of celebrated outdoor theatre and arts events: the River Clyde Pageant, Sharing the Field, and the River Clyde Solstice Walk. Established in 2016, RCA is nationally recognized for its intergenerational programming uniting community, art, and ecology to spark wonder, creativity, and social change.

For tickets, volunteer opportunities, and more, visit riverclydearts.com.