Niagara-area festival looks to expand and impress as it raises 70 per cent of $150M goal

The Shaw Festival says it’s raised 70 per cent of the $150 million it needs to reinvent the theatre institution’s role in southern Ontario.

Artistic director Tim Carroll says the $110 million raised so far comes from the federal government, the province and private donations.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake festival is now soliciting donations more broadly to get to their target goal.

Improvements include expansion of its footprint with an artists’ village next to its current theatre.

Over the next five years, there are plans to turn the festival into a centre for art and human connection, with thousands of programs.

The organization also plans to create a vibrant downtown campus, including a new theatre to replace the crumbling Royal George Theatre.

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