The Art Centre is at the threshold of an exciting new chapter, and we invite you to take the next step with us! As both our organization and the communities we serve grow, we need to address some of the physical constraints of our two galleries and classroom, to help break down barriers to participation in the arts. In recent years, we haven’t been able to meet community demand for our spaces. Our 1856 heritage schoolhouse lacks curb appeal and clear wayfinding for visitors. We can’t accommodate people with mobility constraints, including many who would participate in our outreach programming. But we have plans to address these challenges!
Addition Details
Coming soon! We will be transforming the Art Centre through the addition of a multi-use atrium that can host performances, exhibitions, community events and a variety of other functions, as well as a new kitchen and accessible washrooms. We’ll be improving environmental controls to protect the artwork in our galleries and adding historical displays to share our rich local history.
Stay tuned for updates and timing!
Community Benefits
You are invited to be pART of the Possibility!
Expansion Project: To find out more about our building expansion project, aspects of the project that are already complete, and other ways to support the growth plans at the Arts Centre, please click here.
75 Fish | 75 People | 75 Melville St.
Celebrating the heritage of our old school house building, through the School of Fish sculpture that helps support the future
3 Easy options to BUY A FISH!
Cheques should be made out to the Elora Centre for the Arts, with “school of fish” in the notes
Download/view the School of Fish brochure here.
YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT FOR 1 OR MORE PEOPLE IN CENTRE WELLINGTON!
OUR PROGRAMS:
Our Community Outreach programs are designed to harness the power of community, creativity and art to teach valuable life skills. We run programs for adults and youth with (dis)abilities, and teens recovering from addiction. Your generosity could sponsor 1 kid, 2 kids, a full class of participants or art supplies!
Less than half of students in Centre Wellington report feeling a sense of belonging to their community, and this gap is growing. The creative process allows us to meet youth where they’re at and give them a safe space to express themselves. In art, there is no wrong answer.
Community Outreach programs at ECFTA serve people with added obstacles: elementary and high school students with (dis)Abilities, teens recovering from addiction, and adults with (dis)Abilities. Our goal is to address their severed connection with community, utilizing the creative process to talk about feelings management, teamwork, resilience, emotional expression and human connection.
The Arts Centre is a registered charity, and a welcoming space for artists, exhibitors, performers, educators, students, and audiences from across our community and beyond. We exist for the love of creativity and the ways we can nurture, heal, and support each other through the arts.
WATCH OUR OUTREACH VIDEO! See the impact!
Support 1 kid for 1 class, 2 kids for 1 class, a full class of kids or art supplies!
1. High School & Elementary Students with (dis)Abilibities: Community Connections Through Art
This program connects Centre Wellington students with (dis)abiities to important community conversations, using art projects as the conduit for connection, personal well-being, belonging and mental health support. Projects emphasize collaboration and success through personal artistic expression. This is a bi-weekly program within the schools.
1 kid, 1 class = $20 | 2 kids, 1 class = $40 | 1 full class of kids = $350 | Art Supplies for a class = $90
2. Youth Addiction & Recovery Program: The Healing Power of Art and Creative Expression
In partnership with Portage Ontario, this program incorporates art and creative expression as the conduit for acceptance, sharing and healing. It allows for emotional exploration, coping strategies and discussions about the challenges of recovery. Run by Arts Centre educators, engagement facilitators and a social worker. Each session is 6 weeks, run twice weekly at the Arts Centre.
1 kid, 1 class = $30 | 2 kids, 1 class = $60 | 1 full class of kids = $600 | Art Supplies for a class = $160
3. Supportive Arts for adults with (dis)Abilities
This arts-based program for adults with (dis)Abilities incorporates art, movement and mindfulness in an all-abilities engaging program for participants across the Township.
1 person, 1 class = $50 | 2 people, 1 class = $100 | 1 full class = $650 | Art Supplies for a class = $80
Would you consider becoming a monthly donor? Monthly donations give us the stability to plan ahead. They help us commit long-term to our community and outreach participants – people with (dis)abilities, tweens, low-income families and teens recovering from addiction. Through the generosity of supporters like you, we can keep these programs going and harness the power of art to help make our community a more vibrant place to live, work and recharge.
Your donation will make a significant impact!
There are three easy options for giving:
The Elora Centre for the Arts is an independently owned, Registered Charitable Organization.
Charitable Registration Number: 86123 1314 RR0001
Our mission is to develop and strengthen a non-profit arts and cultural centre that promotes, teaches and nourishes the creation and appreciation of the arts through educational programs, exhibitions, rehearsals and performances that are accessible to everyone.
Please contact us if you have any questions. 519-846-9698 or email: admin@ecfta.ca
Please fill out this form when setting up your e-transfer donation. After filling out the form, e-transfers can be sent directly to admin@ecfta.ca Thank you!
© Elora Centre for the Arts. Site by Digital Chaos Inc.