KSA Building Explores a Rebrand and New Leaseholder Agreement
April 24, 2026 · Eden DuPont
An Update on Kootenay School of the Arts
A long-overdue update on the status of KSA is needed for everyone that has inquired, written a letter or testimonial, taken a survey, signed up on a mailing list and for those just joining the conversation, here is a brief recap:
In response to Selkirk College announcing it would no longer support KSA’s craft programs last October, a group of local arts and culture workers came together to determine how the building could be transformed into a vibrant arts-focused centre and ensure that KSA’s vital programming could continue in its current location, in the building owned by the City of Nelson.
This collective, with oversight from the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council and the Nelson & District Arts Council, engaged consultants Nordicity and MBAC to conduct a feasibility study, which was presented to the City of Nelson in February 2026. The request made was to the City to provide the building rent-free for two years, allowing time to establish a new, sustainable arts centre. A final decision from City Council is expected to be announced on April 28th.
In the meantime, the collective has continued its visioning work, exploring potential governance models for the building and prospective tenants including KSA’s educational programming, should the two-year rent-free lease be approved. The anticipated leaseholder with the City will be the Nelson Community Land Trust (NCLT) with representation from anchor tenants, including a new non-profit, the Kootenay School of the Arts Society (KSAS).
KSAS has been established to carry KSA’s educational programming into the future and has launched a new website at https://ksarts.ca/ The ceramics studio is currently accepting queries from prospective students for the 2026-2027 school year to optimistically stay ahead of the enrollment cycle. Once the decision from the City is made final next week, the gears and plans for programming and fundraising will proceed full steam ahead.
As this work moves forward, it is important to clarify a key distinction for donors, partners, and community members: the difference between the KSA building and KSA educational programming. While closely connected through shared objectives, these entities will become distinct, yet complementary for investment and support. For the time being, the building is being referred to as 606 Arts Space, until a formal rebranding project takes place.
With the City’s decision right around the corner, the collective remains focused on building a resilient, community-driven future for arts and culture in Nelson. With strong public support and a clear vision taking shape, the next phase will centre on formalizing partnerships, determining tenancy, and securing long-term sustainability for both the building and KSA’s educational legacy. Community members are encouraged to stay engaged, share feedback, and follow along as this transition moves into its next chapter.