The School of Arts Tenterfield Inc (SOATI) has launched a $100 Club appeal, seeking 150 donations of $100 each to mark the 150th anniversary of the Tenterfield School of Arts’ official opening on 7 September, 1876.
The appeal aims to raise $15,000 by the end of the year to support the organisation’s activities as it manages the School of Arts Museum and Theatre.
SOATI president Kevin Markwell said the target was ambitious but gave the community a real opportunity to contribute to the venue’s ongoing success.
“It’s an audacious and ambitious target, but the community has a real opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of SOATI in the management of the School of Arts Museum and Theatre,” he said.
Mr Markwell said SOATI was committed to restoring the School of Arts as the arts, culture and heritage hub of Tenterfield and surrounding districts, but needed community support to do so.
“I realise that $100 is well out of the reach of many people but I also know that there are a lot of us who could spare the money for such a great cause,” he said.
“We are aiming for stronger and more diverse programme of events in both the theatre and museum next year but this takes money.”
He said Tenterfield Shire Council’s annual contribution did not cover staffing costs, and SOATI was diversifying its income through grants, sponsorships and fundraising.
Mr Markwell said he planned to invite all sitting NSW state and federal politicians, former prime ministers and other prominent Australians to consider donating, given the School of Arts’ national significance.
“Our School of Arts has national significance so I want to give people from outside Tenterfield the opportunity to contribute as well,” he said.
Donors can contribute via tenterfieldsoa.com.au/100-club, with every $100 donation entering a draw to win two nights for two couples at Mackenzie Point Airbnb, courtesy of owners Chris and Margaret Donnelly.
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