Artpark aims to raise $50,000 in honor of its 50th anniversary

LEWISTON, N.Y. (WIVB) — Whether it’s to sing along at a concert, attend a festival or take a hike with views of the Niagara Gorge, if you visit Artpark they call it a place where art, nature and culture all merge.

“Our park improves the quality of life for our community,” said Dave Wedekindt, interim president of Artpark. “We have a pretty diverse program of popular concerts, family activities, craft activities, art programs, art camps, festivals, dance opera — you name it, we do it.”

Artpark started a challenge on Nov. 12 in honor of its 50th anniversary to try and collect $50,000 in donations within the final 50 days of the year.

“We use all the money we raise. In fact, the money that comes from the revenue of our concerts as well is put right back into the park for family programming, art camps, free family Saturdays and countless other things,” said Jeffrey Williams, the chair of the 50/50/50 challenge. “If we don’t have generous contributors and donors, we’re not able to do the programming.”

Artpark says it holds around 100 events during the 100 days of its season and that state park funding doesn’t cover all the costs for its programs.

Along with this challenge to raise $50,000, Artpark’s board of directors says it plans to match every dollar donated in the remaining days of 2024 up to $50,000 as it works toward helping Artpark offer these experiences for an additional 50 years.

“We are going to have some very exciting announcements shortly and I think all of Western New York is going to be immensely excited with the movement and the changes that are going to take place within the next 50 years,” said Williams.

For more information on Artpark, its 50-50-50 Challenge and how to donate, visit its website here.

Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here.

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