The Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA) and supporters of the organization packed the council gallery in Elora earlier this week for a delegation from Executive Director Lianne Carter.

Hoping for more funding to maintain the heritage building with frequent repairs, Carter shared figures with staff she says she believes show a gap in funding. Carter explained to council there is currently a “lack of core funding."

The building, located in the heart of downtown Elora, was originally erected in 1856, serving as a girls' school. Carter explained various repairs happen often to maintain the aging structure. The centre's delegation form outlined more "very considerable repair and maintenance costs" over the next half-decade.

Earned revenue sources, she went on to say, are the only source of funding for the centre that showcases local artists and performances.

She added council funding would help her group with more than just the arts side of things.

"It would really free our staff and our resources up to just grow and deliver community-based programming that addresses needs in our community," Carter stated.

"It would provide things for our growing community, and not just in the art gallery, but in the pavilion, in the yard, live music," she added.

Carter also mentioned the first step in her mind was achieved when council showed a willingness to work with ECFTA.

"Our biggest thing is that they've just said 'we acknowledge the importance of our arts centre," Carter explained.

"That to me is music to my ears. I think if we all believe that as a starting point, we'll figure something out," she went on to mention.

Carter didn’t ask for a specific dollar value from council. When asked for a figure, she said she would leave that step to councillors to discuss as they begin to work through their budget process for 2024.

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