Ref: PR2011
Date: 18/11/08
Wakefield's newest art gallery has received a funding boost from two of the UK's leading charitable foundations.
The Hepworth Wakefield Trust has secured funding totalling £400,000 from the Headley Trust (£150,000) and the Garfield Weston Foundation (£250,000).
The money will go towards the construction of the new world-class gallery, which is rapidly taking shape on Wakefield's waterfront.
Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Regeneration Cllr Denise Jeffery said: "These substantial grants from two of the UK's important charitable foundations are a fantastic funding boost for The Hepworth Wakefield. They are also a powerful endorsement of the national and international significance of gallery, and the ambitions that we have in Wakefield to provide world-class cultural attractions."
Lord St Oswald, Chairman of the Trustees said: "On behalf of the trustees, I am delighted that the Headley Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation have awarded such generous grants to The Hepworth Wakefield. The Hepworth Wakefield Trust is very pleased to be supporting this exciting project for Yorkshire and we hope that these are the first of many more fundraising successes."
Designed by internationally acclaimed British architect, David Chipperfield, The Hepworth will show a previously unseen collection of sculptures by Wakefield-born artist, Barbara Hepworth - one of the most important artists of the 20th Century.
It will bring international contemporary art and historical exhibitions to Yorkshire and its ambitious, modern architecture will be a fitting home for Wakefield's outstanding collection of British art, which spans the 16th Century to the present day.
Due to open in 2010, visitors to The Hepworth will be able to experience the very best of art, architecture and design through a varied programme of talks, tours, concerts, film-screenings and workshops, or simply relax in the high quality café, shop and gardens.
The Hepworth Wakefield Trust is an independent charity that has been established to support the new gallery. It is currently seeking funding from charitable trusts and foundations, business and individuals to support the development of The Hepworth Wakefield as an art gallery of international significance.
The Trust is chaired by Lord St Oswald of Nostell Priory.
Wakefield Council is leading the development of The Hepworth Wakefield, with co-funding partners Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, English Partnerships, Yorkshire Forward and the European Union
