McGuinty Government investment benefits Southampton Arts Society through Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Grant - July 24, 2007

Southampton Art School To Become Barrier Free Through $45,000 OTF Grant

Southampton – On Tuesday, July 24, 2007, the Southampton Arts Society was able to share some exciting news at their 50th anniversary celebrations thanks to a $45,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Carol Mitchell, MPP for Huron-Bruce, was joined by OTF representative Liz Fry for the festivities.

“This is wonderful news for the Southampton Arts Society and for the residents of the community,” said Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce. “Preserving the historical and cultural institutions that help define our communities is a very important part of respecting the past while looking towards the future”.

In March 2007, the Southampton Art Society received a one-year grant to renovate the Art School’s heritage facility, including window replacement, insulation, internal repairs and upgrades, and to make washrooms on site accessible. This project will help to preserve a designated heritage building and provide an opportunity to expand programs offered from seven months to twelve months per year, while ensuring all members of the community have access to cultural programs.

The Southampton Arts Society’s mission is to develop a Centre for the Arts in Saugeen Shores that encourages initiatives that provide and cultivate artistic cultural expressions and an appreciation of the arts. The Art School building was built in 1887 and donated to the town in 1912 to be used for cultural purposes. The Southampton Arts Society operates the Southampton Art School and the Art School Gallery & Artisans Co-op Shop on a seasonal basis. For more information, please contact Nancy Wynoch at (519)797-5086.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For 25 years, it has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

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Nancy Wyonch
Southampton Art Society
(519) 797-5086

Carol Mitchell, MPP
Huron-Bruce
(519) 396-3007