Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts celebrates its 20th anniversary

The Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts (HCA) is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Since 1997, artistic director Vitek Wincza, has stayed committed to his vision to create a place where music, dance, drama and the visual arts can coexist. Today, the HCA offers more than 100 arts programs for people of all ages through its school, as well as arts education opportunities to young people across Hamilton through its charitable arm, Culture for Kids in the Arts.

The HCA has built a legacy that has its roots in a rich history that began in 1897 when Hamilton’s oldest school of music, the Royal Hamilton College of Music, first opened. In 1905, the school expanded and moved into the current, larger location at 126 James Street South. It continued to flourish for many decades. Unfortunately, the school experienced severe financial struggles in the late 1970s, forcing its closure in 1980. After converting the building for other uses, it was eventually abandoned.

Almost two decades later, Wincza recognized the potential to rebuild the conservatory’s reputation as a cornerstone of the city’s arts community.

“When you walk into the building, you know it’s special,” says Wincza. The building’s architectural features are reminiscent of its earliest days with its high ceilings, original wood floors and grand entranceways. The acoustics, considered second-to-none at the time, are still extraordinary.

Today, the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts teaches more than 1000 students of all ages. The building comprises of 18 sound proof music rooms, inspiring visual arts studios, spacious dance studios, a recital hall and art gallery. Classes are offered in jazz, ballet, modern dance, hip hop and creative movement. Music lessons are offered in piano, strings, woodwind, guitar, drums and vocal music. Students may also choose among its offering of acting classes and visual arts, as well as its Triple Threat program that enables students to train in singing, acting and dancing.

Wincza is proud to be a founding partner of Culture for Kids in the Arts (CKA). This inspiring organization is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all children and youth of Hamilton regardless of financial status. Founded in 1999, CKA has developed an innovative arts program for kids, as well as training and resources for practicing and emerging artists. Its goal is to close gaps in arts education and strengthen support for arts activity in the Hamilton community.

In 2001, Wincza also founded HCA Dance Theatre to make dance visible and accessible in the city. Since its inception, the organization has successfully brought the professional art of dance into Hamilton. With a mission to enrich and complement the artistic and cultural landscape of Hamilton, the HCA Dance Theatre has welcomed numerous visionary artists throughout the years. In the summer of 2014, it presented the acclaimed dance festival, Dusk Dances to Hamilton’s Bayfront park. This popular outdoor dance festival continues to bring contemporary and traditional dance to public parks each summer.

At the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, opportunities are abundant for those eager to learn a new skill, hone existing talents and abilities, or simply enjoy creative expression. And, thanks to its charitable arm, Culture for Kids in the Arts, the young people of Hamilton have fewer barriers to enjoying the arts than ever before. HCA is open: Mon. to Thurs. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. Closed