(NEW HOPE, PA) -- The New Hope Arts Center has announced a private $250,000 matching gift challenge at their 20th Anniversary Gala, granted in response to its recent announcement of the Elevate the Arts Capital Campaign earlier in May, making this contribution their largest private monetary donation to the non-profit arts center since its opening in 2002.
This $250,000 contribution from Mr. Stephen Can and Mrs. Pamela Can of New Hope was generously offered to support New Hope Arts Center's Elevate the Arts capital campaign. The details are as follows: all capital campaign donations received by September 30, 2022 will be matched dollar for dollar up to a maximum of $250,000.
The Elevate the Arts Capital Campaign was first announced May 12th with the fundraising goal amount of $750,000.00. Funds raised will also be allocated to expand other programming that will include media, performance, and literary art forms, plus a multi-phase renovation plan presented by Ralph C. Fey Architects, with construction slated to begin in January 2023. The construction plan features an ADA compliant elevator, an ADA compliant restroom, a dramatic front entrance, an enhanced lobby, enlarged staircase, and entrance ramps for the rear entrance. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development provided a generous grant for the installation of an elevator, and private donors and Board members have also contributed in support to date.
"This matching gift from the Can's propels us toward realizing our Elevate the Arts strong vision and initiatives that will attract even more artists and esteemed art patrons, making New Hope Arts a regional arts destination, continuing New Hope's tradition of supporting the arts and artists. Additionally, by addressing ADA needs, we will become a far more welcoming facility for patrons of all ages and be positioned to serve our dedicated arts community," stated Carol Cruickshanks, Executive Director.
Mr. and Mrs. Can have been longtime residents of New Hope, observing the institution's impressive support and growth over the past decade. All in attendance, including Senator Steven Santarsiero at the New Hope Arts Gala, were introduced to Stephen Can as his generous gift was announced by Mayor Laurence Keller.
Mr. Can expressed his excitement and support for the Arts Center's campaign and the New Hope community by stating the following: "Pam and I have enjoyed New Hope Arts for over a decade, and we are thrilled to help New Hope Arts continue its important leadership role in our community. The elevator grant is a huge milestone for the building and quite the accomplishment by the board to get it. There are no use restrictions to our matching gift - we are exceedingly excited for the future of New Hope Arts" said Stephen Can.
Photo of Stephen Can
The Gala garnered additional generous support through ticket sales, a live auction featuring curated art pieces, and a silent auction with donated items from local artists and businesses.
Donations of any size may be made through the New Hope Arts Elevate the Arts campaign page on their website at NewHopeArts.org.
New Hope Arts (NHA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to furthering New Hope's heritage as a thriving nucleus for various mediums of art and artists. NHA serves an integral role in showcasing contemporary artists' work within New Hope and Lambertville and throughout the Delaware Valley. New Hope Arts supports artists by fostering opportunities to exhibit, providing space to create, collaborate, and present while offering residents and visitors access to a vibrant array of visual, performing, and literary arts. NHA further provides a welcoming forum to emerging artists who would otherwise not have access to a professional exhibition setting while introducing new audiences to their work.
Annually, NHA organizes up to eight significant exhibitions, including sculpture, works in wood, painting, photography, fine artisan crafts, and new media installations. Its individual donors, Board Members and foundations, and community members who provide the support necessary to offer such programs and events. Recognition of NHA's service to the arts includes funding from The PNC Foundation Arts Alive program, the Community and Economic Development Grant from the State of PA, and The Bucks County Visitors Bureau. With Curator and Executive Director Carol Cruickshanks in place and at the helm, all this keeps founder Robin Larsen's vision alive, ever-evolving, and ever-elevating since New Hope Arts conception in 2002.
PHOTOS BY NICK RAIMOND
