This atrium and multi-use space has been built by and for a community who believes in the power of creativity, connection, and belonging.
What We Did
In October 2024, we broke ground and began our construction of a 3,500-square-foot addition to our existing building that features:
⭐ A multi-use space for community gatherings, performances, exhibitions and other events
⭐ Fully accessible spaces, including universal washrooms
⭐ A new servery-style kitchen and other hospitality infrastructure
Why We Did It
Our mission is to ignite creativity, foster connection and build community through the arts. We want everyone to feel welcome here. To continue fulfilling this mission, we addressed some of the physical constraints of our space:
⭐ While our building — an 1856 heritage schoolhouse — has always been beautiful and part of the community’s rich history, it couldn’t accommodate large gatherings or people with mobility constraints, and lacked clear wayfinding for visitors.
⭐ Demand for our programs and events far exceeded what our previous space could offer. We found we had to turn away more than half of the requests we received to use our space because our building wasn’t accessible or because we were already fully booked.
⭐ Our community is growing, and we need to grow with it! As an arts and culture hub for Wellington County, the Arts Centre serves more than 50,000 people every year, offering exhibitions, performances, community events, summer camps, office and studio space for local artists and arts groups, and a range of programs and services for all ages. We simply needed more space to meet the demands of our growing community.
How It Benefits Our Community
This expansion:
Contributes to the vibrancy and health of our region, strengthening Centre Wellington as a key arts and tourism community
Breaks down barriers to participation in the arts by giving even more people the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities at the Arts Centre
Ensures the Arts Centre is accessible for everyone in the community and is a space where everyone feels like they belong
Provides a much-needed gathering space for community members and groups in the area
Allows us to introduce new programs for seniors and accommodate people with mobility constraints
Helps us become more financially sustainable in the long term
Directly impacts the lives of people in our community, helping them build skills like creative thinking and resiliency
Continues the legacy of an Arts Centre by and for the community for generations to come
With gratitude…
Thanks to the generosity of so many in this community – the individuals, businesses, organizations, foundations and government bodies listed below – we reached our fundraising goal and our bold vision for the new expansion is now a reality.
This fully accessible addition transforms our historic schoolhouse into an inclusive hub where creativity, connection and community can thrive. What was once a limitation is now an invitation: a space where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can gather, create and belong.
We are deeply grateful to every supporter who made this possible. Thank you for leaving your mark on the future of the arts in Centre Wellington and beyond – and for helping to strengthen and uplift our community for generations to come.
Visionary Gifts ($200,000 and Above)
Government of Canada
MacDonald Trust Fund (through the Township of Centre Wellington)
The Dalglish Family Foundation
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Bob & Lynn Cameron & Family
Leadership Gifts ($100,000 to $199,999)
RBC Foundation
SRM Architects & Urban Designers
The Altman Family
Major Gifts ($25,000 to $99,999)
Alpha Marketing International
Dakon Construction
David & Nancy Hurlburt
Elora Mill
George & Jennifer Mochrie
Nexans
printFactor Media
The Ashdown Family
Wellington Advertiser
Xanadu Homes
Supporting Gifts ($10,000 to $24,999)
Anonymous
Centre Wellington Community Foundation – Jack R. MacDonald Fund
