H’art to relocate to Providence Village

On Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, Providence Village Inc. (Providence Village) and H'art Centre (H’art) announced their new partnership, which will see H'art relocate to Providence Village inside the historic Providence Motherhouse building. In a news release, they shared that the move strengthens both organizations' missions as they endeavour to provide care and support services to uplift and empower equity-deserving populations in the Kingston and area community. 

H'art will occupy approximately 4,000 square feet of space in the south portion of the Motherhouse, which was part of the former Providence Spirituality Centre. H’art will begin moving operations in April 2025 and expects to be fully settled in their new home by June 2025 without any service interruption during the transition. 

“We’re beyond excited H’art is moving to a vibrant new central location that reflects our commitment to community connection and collaboration,” shared Katherine Porter, H’art Centre’s Executive Director, in the press release. “Our new hub will be a warm and welcoming home for our programs, exhibitions, and workshops that inspire and engage H’art Studio artists and our many partners.”

She added, “A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing board members for their unwavering trust in us, the board members serving the Village, and everyone who played a part in this journey. Together with our new neighbours, we plan to nurture an environment where great things flourish, partnerships thrive, and every individual is valued for their creative abilities. We can’t wait to embark on this adventure at the Village … [and to] create something incredible together.”

Currently located at 237 Wellington Street in Kingston, for more than 25 years, H’art Centre has provided opportunities for creative expression and personal growth through the arts to support people with disabilities and those facing barriers to participation in the arts. Starting as a small organization in a storefront studio, H’art has grown into a “thriving arts hub, and its dream to bring inclusive arts for all abilities has become a reality,” according to the release. 

Laurie French, President & CEO of Providence Village, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership.

“We are delighted to welcome H'art Centre to Providence Village. Their multidisciplinary arts programs, participants and artist community serving adults with disabilities will bring vibrancy and energy to the Village. We are truly grateful for this partnership and believe H’art will be a perfect addition to the Village,” French said in the release. 

“Back in 2016,” she added, “H’art Centre was among the first organizations invited to explore the possibility of locating services onsite at the then-future Providence Village; it’s incredibly fulfilling to see this vision becoming a reality today.”

Providence Village Inc. is a dynamic community hub development located at 1200 Princess Street, which "aims to provide housing, health, and social services to support, empower, and uplift vulnerable populations throughout the region," according to the organization. Providence Village Inc. is an independent not-for-profit charitable organization sponsored by the Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario (CHSO), and founded by the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, and the organization said it is committed to upholding the values and legacy of the Sisters while fostering positive social change.