Elora Centre for the Arts Launches ‘$25 to Thrive’ to Get Expansion Across the Finish Line
May 18, 2025
The Elora Centre for the Arts is calling on the community to help make history.
With the fundraising campaign for its expansion nearing the finish line, the Arts Centre has launched a new initiative — $25 to Thrive — inviting every household in Centre Wellington to donate $25 and help bring the vision to life
The concept is simple and powerful: if each of the 13,260 households in Centre Wellington contributes $25, the Arts Centre will achieve its fundraising goal.
“We’re so close to reaching our goal — and this is our moment to come together,” says Lianne Carter, Executive Director of the Elora Centre for the Arts. “This expansion will create a much-needed, fully accessible space that will benefit the entire community. And with ‘$25 to Thrive,’ it’s a chance for everyone to be a part of it.”
Unlike many institutions of its size and scope, the Elora Centre for the Arts is not government–owned or –operated. It is an independent charitable organization that relies on community support to deliver its wide range of programs and services.
“Many people don’t realize we’re an independent charity,” said Carter. “From our exhibitions, performances, workshops, camps and outreach programs to providing affordable office and studio space for local artists and community groups, the Arts Centre contributes to our community’s vibrancy and wellness in countless ways. And none of it would be possible without the community’s support.”
The expansion project, which broke ground last fall, will add over 3,500 square feet to the Arts Centre’s existing building, a heritage schoolhouse built in 1856. The addition will feature a large, fully accessible space for arts programs, exhibitions, performances and more, along with a servery-style kitchen and other key infrastructure upgrades.
The design preserves the Arts Centre’s heritage charm while dramatically increasing its capacity to deliver year-round arts programs, exhibitions and events for people of all ages and abilities.
“A thriving arts community like ours doesn’t just happen,” said Carter. “It thrives because people believe in it, support it and help it grow. By donating $25, you become part of something bigger: a collective effort to ensure the arts remain a vibrant, accessible part of life in Centre Wellington — now and for generations to come.”
The first 50 people to donate $25 or more will receive a limited-edition Arts Centre t-shirt — a small thank you for being among the first to support this community-powered campaign.
All donations are fully tax-deductible.
For full details on the ‘$25 to Thrive’ campaign or to make a donation, visit:
eloracentreforthearts.ca/25-to-thrive-help-build-the-future-of-the-arts-in-centre-wellington
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Erinn Steringa
Marketing & Communications Manager
Elora Centre for the Arts
marketing@ecfta.ca
(416) 995-3865
About The Elora Centre for the Arts
The Elora Centre for the Arts is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to igniting creativity, fostering connection and building community through the arts.
As an arts and culture hub for Wellington County, the Arts Centre serves more than 50,000 people every year through exhibitions, performances, community events, summer camps, affordable office and studio space for local artists and arts groups, and a range of programs and services for all ages.