Last week, a Fraser resident committed $2 million to the construction of the Fraser Valley Arts Center. The donor’s commitment, along with previous contributions from the resident, secured the donor the right to name the center for its first 30 years. 

The center’s name will be finalized and announced after the architectural design process is complete, according to a news release sent to Sky-Hi News.

“Art enriches the community for everyone, makers and patrons alike,” the donor said in a statement included in a news release sent to Sky-Hi News. “I am delighted to invest in this project that will serve generations to come.”

The nonprofit organization, whose mission is to build, promote and sustain creative endeavors across the Fraser Valley, secured nearly $3 million in new donations toward construction of the Fraser Valley Arts Center, according to the release.

Once Fraser Valley Arts selects an architectural firm to complete the center’s final design, construction could begin as early as 2027.

Cassidi Peterson, director of Fraser Valley Arts, said the organization is approaching the funding needed to break ground. The center has secured approximately $5.4 million, according to the release.

Along with the $2 million anonymous commitment, the Rendezvous Foundation agreed to a $500,000 grant toward construction of the center, according to the release.

Fraser residents Martha and Patrick Michelson also gave a “generous gift” to fund an artist-in-residence program at the center, and became the 23rd members of the 25-slot Founders Circle, according ot the release

Fraser Valley Arts also raised more than $15,000 through People’s Choice voting and mural purchases during the recent Fraser Mountain Mural Festival, according to the release. The money will go directly toward the arts center project.

The Fraser Downtown Development Authority approved a program to donate 2% of its future net revenue for the next decade, according to the release. The program will begin when the development authority exceeds $75,000 in annual net revenue, a goal it expects to reach in the next few years.

Fraser Mayor Brian Cerkvenik said in the release that the center is expected to serve as an anchor for Fraser’s Riverwalk District and attract visitors who could also support surrounding businesses.

Fraser Valley Arts President Steve Fitzgerald added that the arts center’s latest commitments represent a significant milestone for the project.

“What makes it especially meaningful is that most of that support has come from within our own community,” Fitzgerald said.