Who or what is Fredericton Arts and Learning (FAL)?

Fredericton Arts and Learning is a registered charitable organization committed to integrating the arts and the community. It is the owner and operator of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre.

FAL’s objectives
• Establish and operate an arts and education centre
• Increase the audience for arts and culture
• Promote the appreciation of excellence in the arts
• Provide greater public access to diversified educational opportunities
• Provide programs for a broad range of the public, including children and families.

FAL operates with a volunteer board of qualified, dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds in the arts, business, and community development.

Why the Charlotte Street School for an arts and learning centre?
Local residents, Fredericton Heritage Trust and downtown neighbourhood associations endorsed the idea of restoring the school as a multi-use cultural facility open to the public. The province donated the school once FAL proved it could pay for the renovations.

What are the costs?
The renovations have been extensive because the building had been closed for six years and unheated for four. Restoration befitting such a handsome heritage property will take far more – a continuing challenge.

How did FAL raise the funds needed to open?
With demonstrated strong support from the community and the three levels of government, FAL approached private and corporate foundations. We continue fund-raising to bring people into the Centre and reach out to the community.

Is the Centre self-sufficient?
Rental income at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre covers basic operating expenses. The numbers balance, but it takes more dollars to allow us to do programming, tackle restoration improvements to the building and so on.

How is the Centre used?
The Charlotte Street Arts Centre connects the arts community with the general public in many ways. Its 175-seat auditorium is a fresh space for the performing arts, musical recitals, theatre pieces, film, poetry readings and more.
Exhibition space welcomes the public and allows artists and crafts people to show their works. Artists in different disciplines meet and share ideas in a space that encourages interaction. Community meetings and conferences also use the space.
Tenants are listed on the website.
Programs are bringing the arts to young people and to the community, generating greater awareness and appreciation of the creative impulse, maybe inspiring a new generation.

What support have you received from the community?
Hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life have helped with fundraising. More than 100 local businesses have made donations or sponsored our efforts. We are backed by the neighbourhood association and Fredericton Heritage Trust.
The 4 Engineer Support Regiment, CFB Gagetown, donated labour worth more than $100,000 to bring the school up to building codes. The regiment trains electricians, plumbers and carpenters. The work was part of their training.
We have received many other donations of in-kind service for projects and promotions.

Can I get a tax receipt if I donate to this project?
Yes. Receipts will be provided for donations of $10 or more.