A request from the the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre to Elgin county council for an increase in annual funding has been referred to the budget committee for consideration.
At Tuesday’s meeting (Oct. 24), council members sought additional information from the art centre to support the funding request.
The centre currently receives $30,000 annually from the county and executive director Laura Woermke would like to up that to $40,000.
The current amount granted has been in place since 2008.
She reminded council, “Investing in the art and art education has numerous benefits for our community. It stimulates economic growth, attracts tourism and enhances the overall quality of life for residents.
“Moreover, it provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talent, encourages cultural exchange and fosters a sense of pride and identity within our community.”
The art centre receives roughly twice the requested amount from the county as a line item in the city budget.
