Digital and building upgrades for artPontiac
Tashi Farmilo
Published in the Pontiac Journal on April 23, 2025.
PORTAGE-DU-FORT – artPontiac, is receiving $36,350 in public funding to undertake
a full-scale digital transformation to improve operations, outreach, and long-term sustainability.
Based in Portage, the non-profit association will use the funding to launch a new website, strengthen its presence on social media, and implement digital tools to automate membership, sponsorship, and event management. The funding was awarded through Stream 2 of the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR 2), a provincial program delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MAMH) and the MRC Pontiac.
The initiative is designed to modernize how the arts association connects with the public while easing volunteers’ administrative workload.
“A stronger digital foundation means more visibility for our artists and more efficient ways of connecting with our community,” said Stéphanie Pete, artPontiac president. “It also gives our volunteers more time to focus on what really matters—building creative programming and meaningful relationships.”
The new infrastructure is expected to improve communication with supporters and stakeholders, expand participation in events and exhibitions, and reinforce artPontiac’s role as a hub for local artistic activity.
The association also received confirmation of a separate $73,550 in funding for renovations to the Stone School—the historic building that serves as its primary exhibition space and headquarters.
The MRC is responsible for disbursing the renovation funds. “Some exterior stonework is scheduled to be done this spring,” explained Francis Beausoleil, Strategic Communications Advisor for the MRC. “Last year, we received a health check report on the building, and we want to do some renovations mapped out and recommended for regular maintenance.”
The funds, which must be spent by the end of March 2026, are exclusively dedicated to preserving the Stone School and ensuring it remains a safe and functional space for artistic programming.
