Aberdeen Art Gallery’s £30million redevelopment has received a £250,000 boost from a family-founded, grant-making trust.
The significant donation has been provided by the Garfield Weston Foundation, which has been supporting charities across the UK for more than 50 years.
The announcement was made by the Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Development Trust Board yesterday following its Founder Patrons’ launch event at the city’s Maritime Museum.
The six-figure sum will be invested in the ‘Inspiring Art and Music’ project – a major re-development of Aberdeen Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall and Remembrance Hall into a 21st century centre for art and music.
A Heritage Lottery Fund grant of almost £10milllion has already been awarded to the ambitious venture.
Aberdeen City Council has also committed £10million from its Non-Housing Capital Fund towards the overall cost of the project, while a public and philanthropic fundraising campaign is under way for the remaining money.
Steve Regulski, chairman of the gallery’s board of trustees, said: “We are very grateful to the Garfield Weston Foundation for this donation which recognises the importance of the project to the people of Aberdeen.
“We are sure it will inspire more people and organisations to back what is probably the most significant improvement to Aberdeen’s cultural landscape since Aberdeen Art Gallery first opened in 1885.”
His sentiment was echoed by Philippa Charles, director of the Garfield Weston Foundation.
“The donation towards the Aberdeen Art Gallery redevelopment project is made in appreciation of the importance of this project to the city and with the warmest wishes of the Weston Family,” she said.
Interior plans include the creation of 21 gallery spaces in place of the existing 11, a large-scale venue to showcase international-quality exhibitions, and a community gallery in a new wing at the rear of the building.
The upgrading of Cowdray Hall will include additional seating which will allow more people to enjoy performances, while the facilities for performers will also be enhanced.
The redevelopment is due for completion in the winter of 2017.
