Carnegie Art Center to benefit from state grant assistance

Senator George Maziarz is pleased to learn the City of North Tonawanda has been awarded a grant in the amount of $343,000 from the New York State Office of Community Renewal to make improvements at the Carnegie Art Center. The 2012 CFA round included funding in the form of the Community Renewal Fund (CRF). The improvements will include having handicap accessible access to the city building, and handicap bathroom facilities.

“This funding will allow this historic building to undergo much needed renovations that will help it to better serve the public, especially those who are handicapped. These renovations will help move the Carnegie towards becoming a true events center. The goal is for this building to become yet another destination within North Tonawanda,” stated Mayor Rob Ortt.

Mayor Ortt also stated, “I want to thank our state representatives for their commitment to the Carnegie and to North Tonawanda.”

"This building has served North Tonawanda for more than a century, as the first public library and now as an art center. Art is the essential foundation to cultural vibrancy and quality of life for everyone and with the accessibility created through these funds, the Carnegie Art Center can welcome everyone. Art belongs to all of us," stated Mary Simpson, Executive Director of the Carnegie Art Center.

Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is an agency serving people with special needs and currently utilizes the Carnegie Art Center. Marcia A. Ross stated, "as Art Facilitator and Coordinator of Fine Arts for Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, I appreciate so much having the opportunity to bring my special artists to such a welcoming building. I am so grateful to the City of North Tonawanda for recognizing that people of all abilities have access to a beautiful and historic building like the Carnegie Art Center."