Kawartha Art Gallery ready to unveil new downtown Lindsay home

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A new chapter, for the region’s arts and culture scene, will begin, later this month, when the Kawartha Art Gallery officially opens the doors to its new permanent home, in downtown Lindsay.

Residents, from across the City of Kawartha Lakes, are invited to celebrate the gallery’s grand opening, on Friday, November 20th, from 1 to 3 p.m., at its new location, at 19 Cambridge Street South.

The move marks a significant milestone for the gallery, providing a dedicated space, to: showcase exhibitions, preserve and share its Permanent Collection, deliver educational programming, and create opportunities for residents to connect through art.

The new home is the result of a collaborative effort, involving: municipal support, private generosity, and community partnerships, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the cultural landscape throughout the region.

The City of Kawartha Lakes contributed $150,000 toward the gallery’s move to a permanent location, building on an earlier commitment, approved in 2023, which provided $50,000 annually in operating support over three years.

Mayor Doug Elmslie said, the gallery has become an important cultural institution, helping strengthen the local arts community while providing programming for residents of all ages.

“The Kawartha Art Gallery is an important cultural institution in Kawartha Lakes, and the City has been a proud supporter of its commitment to strengthen the arts and culture sector in our area, which it has accomplished with great success,” Mayor Elmslie said.

“Art and artistic expression are vital to the well-being of individuals and, by extension, the communities in which they reside.”

Mayor Elmslie also praised the gallery's efforts to provide opportunities for seniors, youth, and everyone in between, adding, its new home will allow the organization to continue inspiring visitors and promoting its mandate of recognizing the ‘art in everyone.’

The gallery also credited the Found family for helping make the new location possible, alongside a partnership with Linborough Property Corp.

The late Ken Found, who was born in downtown Lindsay, left a lasting legacy through his support of local artists. The Ken Found Art Fund, established in partnership with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, continues that commitment by supporting the arts.

Wesley Found, representing the family, said, his father would have appreciated the significance of the opening, particularly the opportunities it creates for people to come together.

“My father, Ken Found, was born in downtown Lindsay and gave much of his life back to this community. I think he would have loved this day. Not for the building. For the people who will walk through its doors,” Mr. Found said.

“So much of life now happens on a screen, and true human connection is getting harder to find. A place which welcomes everyone, at little or no cost, is a gift to a community.”

Mr. Found added, the gallery represents an important part of what makes the region a special place to live, adding, his family is proud to support an institution which puts community connections at the heart of its work.

“This home is for the community, not just the arts,” he said.

Don Hughes, board chair of the Kawartha Art Gallery, said, the new location reflects the collective efforts of those who recognize the importance of arts and culture in building stronger communities.

“The City’s investment, the Found family’s generosity, and the support of community partners have helped create something which belongs to the entire region,” Mr. Hughes said.

“The building is an important milestone, but what matters most is what happens here: people connecting through art, artists being supported and communities discovering new opportunities together.”

Operating under the mandate ‘For the art in everyone,’ the gallery sees the opening as the beginning of further collaboration, innovation, and opportunities to connect communities throughout Kawartha Lakes.

Residents are encouraged to attend the November 20th celebration and explore the gallery’s new permanent home.

For more information, visit www.kawarthagallery.com.