Wabash Valley Community Foundation Extends $150,000 Challenge Grant for Swope’s Capital Campaign, “Great Art for All”

The Wabash Valley Community Foundation has extended a $150,000 challenge grant to the Sheldon Swope Art Museum’s “Great Art for All” capital campaign. This campaign was announced on Sunday, May 5 at the Swope’s annual Marilyn Wheeler Pendergast Spring Dinner.

The challenge grant must be matched with $300,000 in contributions to the $6 million campaign. When the challenge goal is reached, the total of $450,000 raised will successfully complete the $6 million campaign.

There are three categories within the “Great Art for All” campaign:

1. Preserve and protect the existing collection.

The goals are to relocate the art storage to a suitable environment; restore the current storage area to a sculpture exhibition area; replace the HVAC system and its controls; upgrade the lighting and electrical systems.

2. Enhance museum accessibility fort all patrons.

The goals are to replace the current antiquated elevator with a modern model, both for movement of patrons and art; update the fire escape route to meet modern standards; construct a new education center for children.

3. Grow the Endowment.

The goal is to reach $2,500,000 to create a steady, ongoing source of revenue for fiscal stability, museum sustainability and enhance future planning.