Arts Guild Gets $250k Toward Arts Center

The Arts Guild of Old Forge, Inc. is in line for a $250,000 state senate grant to help fund its new multi-purpose center, Senator James L. Seward announced today at a press conference in Old Forge. Seward was in Old Forge for the announcement and a town hall meeting with his Webb constituents. The funding tops a previous senate grant of $100,000 for the guild provided by Seward for the initial phase of the project.

The project includes construction of a 28,000 square foot energy efficient, state of the art center to showcase the visual and performing arts. It will house a 200 seat auditorium and will double as a banquet/convention hall that can feature conferences and receptions. It will host tourism events, children's shows, concerts and musicals, winter events and student arts and science programs.

"The center will be a tremendous addition to Old Forge and its importance as a year-round tourist destination," Senator Seward said. "A lot of energy and enthusiasm have gone into this project by the board, volunteers, citizens and the community. I applaud the board and those who have worked so hard to make it happen, and because of its positive impact on tourism and the state's economy, I thought it was important for the state to assist."

The new center will be the region's largest entertainment venue and classroom. It is expected to cost over $9 million.

The capital funding is through the state senate