ELORA – The Elora Centre for the Arts is calling on the community to help support its expansion project with a new fundraising initiative.
With the fundraising campaign for its expansion nearing the finish line, the arts centre has launched a new initiative – $25 to Thrive – inviting every household in Centre Wellington to donate $25 and help bring the vision to life.
The concept is simple and powerful: if each of the 13,260 households in Centre Wellington contributes $25, the arts centre will achieve its fundraising goal.
“We’re so close to reaching our goal – and this is our moment to come together,” stated executive director Lianne Carter in a press release.
“This expansion will create a much-needed, fully accessible space that will benefit the entire community.
“And with ‘$25 to Thrive,’ it’s a chance for everyone to be a part of it.”
Unlike many institutions of its size and scope, the Elora Centre for the Arts is not government owned or operated.
It is an independent charitable organization that relies on community support to deliver its wide range of programs and services.
“Many people don’t realize we’re an independent charity,” said Carter.
“From our exhibitions, performances, workshops, camps and outreach programs to providing affordable office and studio space for local artists and community groups, the arts centre contributes to our community’s vibrancy and wellness in countless ways.
“And none of it would be possible without the community’s support.”
The expansion project, which broke ground last fall, will add over 3,500 square feet to the arts centre’s existing building, a heritage schoolhouse built in 1856.
The addition will feature a large, fully accessible space for arts programs, exhibitions, performances and more, along with a servery-style kitchen and other key infrastructure upgrades.
The design preserves the arts centre’s heritage charm, officials say, while dramatically increasing its capacity to deliver year-round arts programs, exhibitions and events for people of all ages and abilities.
“A thriving arts community like ours doesn’t just happen,” said Carter.
“It thrives because people believe in it, support it and help it grow.
“By donating $25, you become part of something bigger: a collective effort to ensure the arts remain a vibrant, accessible part of life in Centre Wellington – now and for generations to come.”
The first 50 people to donate $25 or more will receive a limited-edition arts centre T-shirt as a small thank-you for being among the first to support this community-powered campaign.
All donations are fully tax-deductible.
For full details on the $25 to Thrive campaign or to make a donation, visit eloracentreforthearts.ca/25-to-thrive-help-build-the-future-of-the-arts-in-centre-wellington.
