The Elora Centre for the Arts has received a second Ontario Arts Council grant to help assist with the ongoing operating costs and needs of the centre.  
The first grant for $12,500 came in autumn 2009, and the centre did not expect more because of OAC budget restrictions on new applicants to the grant for Visual and Media Arts Artist-Run Centre
But a second supplementary grant of $12 500 was awarded to the centre last week.
“I was utterly blown away when we were awarded the complete make up of our initial request of $25,000,” said centre general manager Arlene Saunders.
“The OAC has been hugely supportive of our programming," she said. "In particular, they’re watching the development of our Youth Arts and Entertainment Council. They think this could be a template for similar programs in rural communities.”
The Arts Service Organizations program provides operating and project support to provincial or national membership-based organizations that serve Ontario’s various arts sectors. This English-language program is intended to deliver services and programs that advance the development of arts professionals and arts organizations in Ontario.
Through its programs and services, the OAC supports artists, organizations and communities across Ontario, and welcomes all forms of artistic expression and practice.
The Elora Centre for the Arts utilizes these grants to aid in the running, development, and strengthening of its programs and to upgrade the accessibility, equipment and classrooms in the building, as well as to establish itself as a non-profit arts and cultural centre which promotes, teaches and nourishes the creation and appreciation of the arts.
Housed in a restored, 160 year old three-story limestone school building in one of Ontario’s most picturesque villages, the Elora Centre for the Arts consists of 10 large classrooms converted to provide in total over 10,000 square feet of dedicated space.
While enhancing education in the arts and raising public aesthetic taste is extended through studio and rehearsal space, service to art forms is also programmed as exhibits, performances, residencies, lectures, workshops, symposia and forums. Music, dance, theatre, literary, visual and media art forms provide cultural equity for all audiences.
For more information about the centre’s programs and exhibitions, visit www.eloracentreforthearts.ca.