This Heritage building was built in 1912 and served the educational needs of Qualicum Beach for both elementary and secondary school until 1952, when a new secondary school was built. The building reverted to an elementary school only until 1976, when a new school was built. The Board of Education used the building until 1985.

As the wrecking ball swung closer and closer to the building, dedicated citizens of the community banded together and formed a non-profit cultural association. With the help of many volunteers, countless hours of hard work and fundraising events, the building was renovated and opened to the public in February 1988

The mandate of The Old School House Arts Centre is to foster the arts on Vancouver Island by providing facilities for the exhibition of artists from BC and other parts of Canada. To that end, we provide studios for resident artists, allowing visitors to see works in progress. There is a full schedule of classes in the fall and winter; week long workshops are offered in the summer; children's programmes are available throughout the year.