May 20, 2010 --  David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale offered congratulations to the Dundas arts community today on Federal infrastructure funding designed to help bolster Dundas as a thriving arts hub.

As part of the Federal Infrastructure Stimulus fund allocated to support job-creating and community investment projects led by not-for-profit organizations, the Dundas Valley School of Art (DVSA) will receive $2.45 million from the Government of Canada, to be matched by the DVSA, for critical renovations to the 174-year-old building on Ogilvie Street.

"Take a look at the number of studios, not just in Dundas, but in the surrounding area in Greensville, Lynden, Rockton, Troy and more. Artists working with a whole range of media are creating inspiring works," said MP David Sweet. "The Dundas Valley School of Art has been a catalyst in making this happen for 35 years."

Tom Bontje, Chair of the DVSA board, said "DVSA is proud to be part of the creative community in the Valley Town and we're encouraged by today's announcement." He went on to acknowledge that DVSA is part of the larger Heart of Dundas campaign that includes renewal of the historic homes of the Carnegie Gallery and the Dundas Historic Museum.

"The arts are integral to the fabric of Canadian life and community and this investment in the arts community in Dundas helps take it to the next level," said Bontje.

Sweet also emphasized the value of preserving a heritage building of the genre for which Dundas is well-known. "I'm also pleased that the funds will help restore a beautiful building that embodies the colonial architecture that is very much part of the character of Dundas and has been used in Hollywood movies, filming for TV programs and also as inspiration for painters, photographers and artists."

Sweet notes that the purpose of the infrastructure funding that has been taking place since the 2009 Federal Budget is to stimulate the economy by investing in projects that will serve communities well in the long term. Sweet is pleased that over the course of the past year a number of local infrastructure projects have been announced for a variety of purposes -- including, renewing wastewater infrastructure, recreation facilities, local campuses and the facilities that not-for-profit organizations use to serve urgent needs in the Hamilton area.