Place des Arts receives $250K boost from Desjardins

A francophone arts centre in Sudbury is one step closer to reality after receiving funding on Wednesday.

Desjardins is donating $250,000 to the project.

"Implementing such a project will make Greater Sudbury a must see for exciting and memorable cultural outings," Stphane Trottier, chairman of the Caisses populaires de l'Ontario regional council said.

"A population's culture is developed through the arts, and Desjardins is proud to contribute to the growth of every region."

The building will be constructed at the corner of Larch and Elgin in downtown Sudbury. A municipal parking lot will be converted to build the facility.

The amount from Desjardinsputs contributions towardthe projectat 90 per cent of the $30 milliontarget and the campaign was only launched in early March, StphaneGauthier, chairman of Place des Arts said.

"It's all about partnership, and make this a community dream come true.Everyone knows and is cognisant that this is about momentum and making it happen quickly," he added.

Gauthiersays he's not surprised by all the support.

"If you want to become a destination, if you want to be a flagship, you have to have a building that is the incarnation of that dynamic community," he said.

"We are a dynamic French community, but not as visible as we could or should be, so now the argument of inviting people to come and see and showcase what we do will be much easier."

The federal, provincial and municipal government's have already committed funding for the $30 million project.

Construction is expected to begin this summer, with the finished facility ready for opening in the fall of 2020. It will include a 300-seat performance hall, an art gallery, artists' studios and multi-purpose spaces.