The Municipality of Chelsea is pleased to learn that La Fab sur Mill will receive a grant of $624,762 for its project to transform the former Grace United Church, built in 1875, into a cultural center.
This grant from the Government of Quebec comes from the Programme visant la requalification des lieux de culte excédentaires patrimoniaux, which aims to facilitate the transition of heritage places of worship to new uses in line with community needs.
As a reminder, the new La Fab sur Mill space will now be used as an artist studio, exhibition and performance space. By operating an art gallery, a boutique, renting out its studios to artists, offering art training, workshops and events in support of the visual arts, La Fab sur Mill will continue its mission to promote the arts in the region. These funds will also allow for the necessary renovations to preserve the building's structure and architectural features.
A total of $641,457 in government grants was awarded to the Fab sur Mill for their project, since support had already been received for the development of the transformation plans. The money obtained will cover approximately 50% of the cost of the work to come.
At a press conference held this morning at the former Grace United Church in Chelsea, the Ministre de la Culture et des Communications, Nathalie Roy, confirmed that the Fab sur Mill would be one of 22 projects in Quebec to receive financial assistance from the fund dedicated to the transformation of heritage places of worship, amounting to $10,021,178. The Ministre made the announcement in the company of the député de Gatineau, Mr. Robert Bussière.
"The redevelopment of the former Grace United Church will provide a permanent venue for artists from the Gatineau riding and the entire region. This new cultural center will promote access to culture in the Chelsea community and increase the cultural offer. I would like to thank my colleague, the Ministre de la Culture et des Communications, for supporting this promising project and for highlighting our cultural heritage. " - Robert Bussière, député de Gatineau (free translation)
"I am delighted with the announcement made earlier this morning by the Ministre de la Culture et des Communications. The Fab sur Mill is an important organization for our municipality and this unifying project will make it possible to create a place conducive to creation and cultural promotion in our region. These funds will also allow us to upgrade a building that is rich in history and of great value to the residents of the municipality. " - Pierre Guénard, Mayor of Chelsea.
(French only)
