ELORA – The Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA) yard was bustling on Sept. 5 with about 450 people settled at picnic tables, in lawn chairs, and on picnic blankets on the grass.
Music from Harry Lee Follon and Chris Hierlihy filled the yard while children played amongst the trees, families enjoyed barbecue chicken dinners, and ECFTA officials and volunteers shared details of their expansion plans.
The event was a fundraiser for the expansion and raised almost $20,000 throughout the evening.
That brings the total raised to almost $3.5 million – about 78 per cent of the centre’s $4.5 million goal.
“We are looking to our beautiful community to get us over the finish line,” said ECFTA volunteer Shannon Kornelsen.
Director of development Molly Kleiker added, “Thank you for believing in this cause with us. This is big.”
ECFTA arts educator Stephanie Lines-Toohill told the Advertiser the idea for the expansion “all really started with a need for an accessible washroom,” and the idea snowballed from there.
Now, the expansion plan includes a 3,500-square-foot addition to the north-side of the building, with a certified kitchen, a multi-use space for community gatherings and performances, and universal washroom facilities.
The Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA) has raised about 78 per cent of its goal of $4.5 million for its expansion project so far. From left: Ontario Trillium Foundation representative Bob Cool, ECFTA volunteer chair Sheila Koop, ECFTA board of directors co-chair Kathryn Giffen, SRM architects Celene Zehr and Marie Shelley, ECFTA board of directors co-chair Deepti Celetti, ECFTA executive director Lianne Carter, Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters, and ECFTA director of development Molly Kleiker.
Kornelsen said the centre is “bursting at the seams,” at its current capacity and turns down more than half of the requests it receives for space.
“Our community is growing, and with it demand” for programs like those offered at the art centre, she said.
Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters described the expansion as “a legacy project for Centre Wellington,” and ECFTA as “an arts centre by and for community for generations to come.”
The expansion plans will be made possible in part by two capital grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
An $84,000 grant will fund the kitchen’s construction, “with sufficient space and appropriate appliances to support better nutrition for program participants, culinary arts education and the ability to bring community together through food,” states an ECFTA press release.
“A $150,000 capital grant has already enabled the arts centre to replace an aging fire escape, and will provide critical fire safety infrastructure for the new expansion to ensure safety for all,” the release continues.
The centre serves more than 50,000 people annually through exhibitions, performances, community events, summer camps, office and studio space for local artists and art groups, and a range of programs and services for all ages, officials state.
Ceramic artist Anette Hansen, centre, made mini plates to hand out to volunteers during the Elora Centre for the Arts fundraiser on Sept. 5. Volunteer Sheila Koop, right, takes a plate wrapped in a brown paper package and died with a bow by arts educator Stephanie Lines-Toohill.
It is run by a board of 10 volunteer directors, who Kornelsen said “do the work of 20 volunteer directors.”
And in 2023, ECFTA engaged volunteers 931 times, she added.
“The centre would not be what it is without the support of our community,” Kornelsen said.
“Great community spirit – that’s what makes Elora such a vibrant town,” said event emcee and local author Rio Youers.
“Whether it’s helping people to learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like the Elora Centre for the Arts deliver experiences that make a difference,” said tourism, culture and gaming minister Stan Cho.
“That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for years to come.”
The expansion is also supported the Daglish Family Foundation, the Township of Centre Wellington, the Government of Canada, and dozens of local businesses and individuals.
SRM Architects donated over $100,000 and the Wellington Advertiser, Pearle Hospitality, Dakon Construction, Dave and Nancy Hurlburt, and George and Jennifer Mochrie donated over $25,000.
