Kawartha Art Gallery seeks more city funding in move to new home
The Kawartha Art Gallery is seeking a major investment from the municipality in order to support its progress toward sustainability.
During Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting, gallery executive director Susan Taylor asked council to consider entering into an agreement to contribute $500,000 over three years.
Poised to move into its own space at 19 Cambridge St. in September, the funds would allow the gallery to expand and have capacity to respond to the growing demand for exhibit space.
The investment would also assist with increased collaboration with groups and businesses across the Kawartha Lakes.
The Kawartha Art Gallery was incorporated in 1976 as a not-forprofit charity, initially launching as “Studio 8” at 8 Victoria Ave. N. in Lindsay.
Later renamed The Lindsay Gallery, one of its first goals was to acquire a substantial permanent collection, which now numbers over 150 artworks by Canadian artists of regional and international recognition. The collection, which includes six Group of 7 artist works, is currently valued at more than $1 million.
The present Kawartha Art Gallery sees roughly 4,000 visitors annually. Since 2021, attendance has increased by 10 to 15 per cent each year. This growth, stated Taylor, is directly linked to municipal funding.
“It’s incredible to hear the opportunities that have presented themselves as a result of the partnership with the municipality,” said Taylor.
The gallery presents 10 professional exhibitions including a student juried exhibit, and a juried exhibit partnership with Fleming College Lindsay and Haliburton, as well as live events and community initiatives, such as the Crazy Creative program for children in support of the Kawartha Lakes Food Source.
Last year, the gallery received municipal
The collection, which includes six Group of 7 artist works, is currently valued at more than $1 million
funding to assist with paying CARFAC fees to exhibiting artists. The gallery’s exhibit schedule is now in such high demand that exhibits are being booked four years in advance, making access to a larger space all the more crucial.
“The creative economy is one of the fastest-growing segments on a national and provincial level. Culture is not a special interest group — it is a business,” stated Taylor, adding there are plans to attend the 2025 ROMA conference and highlight how municipal support is integral to sustainable operations.
Moving out of the Lindsay Public Library’s second-floor — space it has occupied for more than 30 years — would not only support future growth, but also free up valuable space that is desperately needed and would otherwise need to be found with an additional cost to the municipality.
“We are no longer a small gallery on the second floor of a library. We are a fully functioning, not-forprofit public art gallery that is now being recognized by the community and beyond for its invaluable programming and community spirit,” stated Taylor.
“If we don’t act on the opportunities of a new space, strategic plan work, and staff development now, we will be unable to realize our full potential and community impact.”
Council received the presentation and forwarded it on for further consideration at the April 30 regular meeting.