$10,000 MATCHING DONATION FROM ANONYMOUS DONOR PUSHES CAMPAIGN PAST ITS TARGET
July 13, 2020 (New Westminster, BC) —
Launched on May 5th, the Arts Council of New Westminster’s (ACNW) ‘Friends of Arts Council #NewWest’ campaign has come to an end on July 1st. With an initial goal of $35,000 in donations, the ACNW Board of Directors are pleased to share that they have exceeded the target. An anonymous donor emerged mid-campaign with a commitment of up to $10,000 in matching donated funds. This pushed the campaign past its goal as the community responded with enthusiasm for the opportunity to double the impact of their gifts. Combined with ongoing support from community members, the City of New Westminster and additional support from the provincial and federal governments, along with the Vancouver Foundation, the ACNW is now able to address the immediate challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The strong support from all sectors shows the importance people place on the arts and the respect for the Arts Council’s role as a valued partner,” ACNW President Robert Crocket. “We are profoundly grateful for the community members and local businesses that contributed to this campaign; these contributions will ensure that the ACNW continues to create community cohesion through facilitating arts and culture in New Westminster. These results will assist the ACNW in promoting innovations that help artists adapt to the ‘new normal’ ahead.”
In the immediate future, the ACNW Board of Directors and staff will review their public programming and be adapting to new health regulations and guidelines. The ACNW’s work is to further allow everybody in the community to experience the arts, by increasing access and diversity and reducing barriers to participation. The ACNW will continuing in-person New West Craft artisan markets at Tipperary Park, produce future episodes of the ArtsNW Podcast featuring stories from local artists, and host the now-monthly New Westminster Cultural Roundtable as a platform for learning, information exchange, and capacity development. With these funds going to programs that support local artists, ACNW programming can be delivered in safe, accessible, and innovative ways. The ACNW will continue to be a valued community partner to artists, arts organizations, the City of New Westminster, and other local agencies and non-profits.
The Friends of Arts Council #NewWest Campaign 2020 set the goal of raising $35,000, representing $1,000 for each year since The Gallery at Queen’s Park was founded in 1985. The ACNW is hopeful that the gallery will be able to re-open to the public in September 2020.
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About the Arts Council of New Westminster
Founded in 1967, The Arts Council of New Westminster is a community arts organization built by artists, audiences, and arts groups who share an interest in visual, performing, and literary arts. The Arts Council’s role in the community is to advocate for the arts and foster support for those engaging in artistic and cultural endeavours.
For more information about The Arts Council of New Westminster, visit http://www.acnw.ca. We can be reached at info@acnw.ca.
Media Contact:
Stephen O’Shea, Executive Director
Arts Council of New Westminster
info@acnw.ca | 604 525 3244 | www.acnw.ca
