The Steinbach Arts Council reports it is getting a very favourable response from donors as it seeks to raise money for a Performing Arts Centre. It is responsible to raise about $2 million towards the estimated $24 million cost of the facility. Spokesperson Cindi Rempel Patrick says they have set up an organization called 'Friends of the Steinbach Performing Arts Centre' which is meeting with potential funders and is being well received.

"We've had a great response. We've been having meetings with our funders. We've had a very positive response that they want to participate. We have different levels of participation and most of the funders are deciding what level of participation they would like to be at. We've had many community groups come on board to discuss other campaigns because not everyone is going to give $500,000. There are some people who are going to give $50. So we have campaigns for all the different levels."

She notes they have also just received a policy from the city on naming rights for the facility.

"So people have the potential to name a room, to name a part of the centre and to name the centre. There will be one significant name on that centre and it will be very exciting as to who that will be. We presented those options to funders that they have that opportunity and they're embracing that concept."

Details of the naming policy are not being made public at this time.

Rempel Patrick says the critical next step will be the answer from the federal and provincial governments which have each been asked to contribute $7.5 million to the project because, without their involvement, the centre cannot go ahead.

"That will play a big role. I know a lot of the funders are anxious to hear how the governments will be participating. We've had some positive feedback in that way as well so the stars are aligning. We know this is a great project for the community and, more and more, people are coming on board as they understand the project and they understand how it will connect the community in so many ways."

Rempel Patrick is expecting the governments to give their answer in spring.

The city has set a deadline of June 30th for all the funding to be in place or else the plan will scrapped.

Read more:

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