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Sarnia, ON – The new public art gallery project in Lambton County is taking shape. The fundraising campaign is now in its planning stages and senior officials continue to explore funding opportunities with various parties.
"This project is very important for our economic future and I continue to be impressed with the level of support there is in this community for a permanent home for our public art collection," said Lambton County Warden Jim Burns. "This project isn't just about art. It's about preserving our heritage, stimulating cultural tourism as an economic asset, building community and creating jobs."
The County of Lambton received $3 million from the federal government's Canada Cultural Spaces Fund in October 2009 and Lambton County Council has committed $2.6 million in funds for the project. While officials recently learned the project was not selected for Not for Profit Intake of Senior Government Economic Stimulus Funding, discussions continue to take place with various members of the provincial government with a goal to secure additional government funding.
"I have had a number of conversations with local government officials as well as senior government officials in Toronto about this project," said Warden Burns. "We are in the midst of scheduling additional meetings and seeking all possibilities within various ministries such as Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs."
Planning work has also started on the gallery's fundraising campaign. While the cost of the building will not be completely known until all proposals are evaluated, it is estimated that the County has 60% of the funding in place.
"We remain confident that as much as $3.5 million can be raised in the community for this important project," said Warden Burns. "I've been meeting with many people in the community to talk to them about this new home for our art collection and we have been seeking out various opportunities for financial support. The momentum is building."
For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.
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Contact:
Jim Burns, Warden
County of Lambton
Telephone: 519 381-6111
email: jim.burns@county-lambton.on.ca
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