The Dundee public are being asked to do their bit to help take the city's heritage into the future.
A fundraising campaign was launched on Wednesday 23 August to encourage the people of Dundee play their part in the multi-million pound refurbishment of the McManus Galleries.
The much-loved city centre building is currently closed as preparations get underway for a massive £9 million refurbishment programme. A grand re-opening is scheduled for early 2008.
Lord Provost John Letford hosted a civic reception at City Chambers, Dundee to help local groups and organisations take the fundraising message to as wide a public as possible.
The public appeal is in addition to a specialist business appeal launched last year, and is intended to give the people of Dundee a chance to make a contribution to the exciting refurbishment of the historic building. The public funds are going towards a lifelong learning centre for interpreting the history of the city for future generations.
People who contribute to the appeal can also enjoy a real association with the building. A stakeholder can have their name entered in a special book for a £10 donation and a benefactor's £100 will get their name included in the fabric of the building. The £1,000 required to become a patron will also include special privileges including invitations to the exhibition openings of ‘Consider the Lilies’ in Edinburgh and London, which will feature the best 20th century paintings from Dundee.
Lord Provost John Letford said: "We are all very aware of how highly the McManus Galleries rate in the affections of Dundee people. It is a historic landmark and we are sure the public will come forward to help with this fundraising appeal."
As a boost to the overall fundraising campaign, one of Dundee’s most famous sons – international movie star Brian Cox – agreed to become an honorary patron of his city’s McManus Galleries. The renowned movie star and thespian has joined a strong cast that has been assembled to support the museum and gallery. Other honorary patrons already include Dundee University rector Lorraine Kelly, keyhole surgery pioneer Sir Alfred Cuschieri and Lady Airlie.
Total project funding of over £9 million has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund, Historic Scotland, Scottish Enterprise Tayside and Dundee City Council, with £5 million of this sum coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The funding will be used to fully restore the galleries and landscape a new entrance. At the same time a new pedestrianised area will be introduced around the impressive building, emphasising its place as a focal point of the city centre.
For information on the project and the opportunity to make an online donation visit www.mcmanus.co.uk
