In a city where creativity has long shaped identity and economic growth, Halifax designer Ben Kynock is raising concerns about what he sees as a growing threat to the arts community, particularly for young people.
Born and raised in Halifax, Kynock is the founder, creative director, and designer behind One-off Design, a clothing label built on originality and individuality. His work is deeply rooted in a childhood shaped by graffiti, skateboarding and a relentless drive to stand out.
“I’ve been an artist my whole life,” Kynock says. “I started in the graffiti world and eventually, years and years later, got into design and fashion.”
That early creative instinct often put him at odds with the traditional education system. “I had a hard time in school… I was always skipping class to go paint and skateboard,” he says. “I always wanted to be an artist.”
Today, that same mindset fuels a brand known for its “no restock” philosophy. Each piece is unique, reinforcing the idea that fashion should be personal and expressive. His brick-and-mortar shop, located at 6070 Quinpool Road, opened on February 1 after what was initially intended to be a temporary pop-up.
“Having an actual location where people can come and view my stuff has been mind-blowing,” he says.
But while Kynock’s business continues to grow, his attention has increasingly turned toward the broader arts landscape in Nova Scotia.
On February 23, 2026, the provincial government announced a budget that eliminated $130 million in grant programs, with the majority of cuts affecting the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage—key funding sources for artists and cultural organizations. While $53.6 million in cuts were later reversed on March 10, reductions to arts and culture funding remain in place.
For Kynock, the impact is already visible and personal.
“I feel that the youth is the ones who are suffering,” he says. “I went and actually taught a whole class for my daughter because they didn’t have art classes because it was cut.”
His frustration reflects a broader concern about the role of creativity in education and community development. Kynock, who regularly involves young people in his mural work, sees art as essential, not optional.
“It’s the children, they’re the future,” he says. “I think it’s one of the most important things in any city, to have spaces and places for people to create and make art.”
The stakes are not just cultural, but economic. According to Statistics Canada, culture contributed 2.0 percent of Nova Scotia’s nominal GDP in 2023, marking a 9.2 percent increase from the previous year, the highest growth among all provinces. Halifax itself ranked fourth out of 22 metropolitan areas in terms of arts-driven economic impact.
Because of the high dependence on the arts, Kynock believes that the province should “fund their people by funding the arts.”
He is grateful to stand-up comedian Joseph Lombardo, who performs under the name PorkChopz. “Supporting the arts is what we need,” Lombardo says. He is also making a mark offstage by actively supporting local artists; he frequently collaborates with creatives by commissioning custom pieces. “By choosing to invest in local talent, their work gets amplified to wider audiences but also reinforces the importance of sustaining grassroots creativity within their city’s arts scene.”
“Halifax has kind of fallen behind other big cities in Canada when it comes to [public art], but is getting better,” Kynock says. “I hope to see more visual art on more buildings… It’s way more appealing than a blank canvas.”
Through his work at One-off Design, Kynock continues to push for that vision, one where creativity is not only encouraged but accessible. His designs, worn by artists across Canada and beyond, reflect a commitment to individuality.
“Originality,” he says, describing the core of his brand. “You can say that nobody else has the same thing as you.”
Looking ahead, Kynock plans to expand his offerings, particularly in women’s fashion, while continuing to advocate for the next generation of artists.
For now, his message is simple: invest in creativity, or risk losing it.
“More for them than anyone,” he says, referring to youth. “When it comes to arts, I think it’s so important.”
Great interview totally agree with Ben as to the importance of art. Economically it makes not sense. Our humanity needs it.
It is with GREAT disappointment that Premier Houston has chosen to so severely cut funding to the arts and culture in Nova Scotia. It is one area that makes us unique and above anywhere else. I would dare to say that per capita, Nova Scotia produces more artists in all genres than anywhere else in Canada–many of them world renowned…from hockey to stage and films. These cuts are devastating to our Museums, art schools, theatres. Instead of standing out, Nova Scotia is standing down at the back of the line, giving notice to creators of art they are not
supported in Nova Scotia and will move elsewhere.