Aberdeen City Council is looking to take on a professional fundraiser to bring in the remaining cash for the ongoing art gallery’s multimillion pound redevelopment.
The £30million revamp, which will modernise the Schoolhill venue and creating new gallery spaces, is being funded by a £10million award from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £10million from council coffers and remainder from the general public.
It is understood around £600,000 has been raised by the public so far, leaving around £9.4million left to go.
Now the local authority is seeking a new development officer to help bring in the remaining monies.
Aberdeen City Council Leader Jenny Laing said: “In recent weeks, we have launched the public fundraising appeal for the remaining £10million required to complete the project.
“The scale of the campaign is not insignificant – therefore we have made the decision to strengthen our fundraising team by beginning the process of appointing a development officer who will support the ongoing efforts.”
The advert for the £23,558- £26,936 a year job reads: “This post is to support the day-to-day operation of the fundraising
programmes for the Capital Campaign of Aberdeen Art Gallery.
“This includes managing the donor database, researching and completing applications to trusts and foundations, and devising and managing the programmes to generate ongoing philanthropic revenue to support the work of the art gallery and Cowdray Hall on completion of the Capital Campaign and beyond.
“The post holder will assist in developing, launching and running a new patrons programme and ensure continuing major donor support and recognition, process gifts to the campaign, ensuring that donors are properly thanked and financial processes are adhered to provide ongoing support for the future focus of the activities within Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums.”
Interviews are expected to be held shortly.
Some of the cash has been raised through a subscription drive, where donors can pay £2,500 to have their names inscribed on a new glass balcony that will be built on the rooftop.
The ambitious work will include a renovation of Cowdry Hall and the Hall of Remembrance and council chiefs believe that
when it is completed next year, the Granite City gallery will be among the “best regional galleries in the world”.
