Nearly 200 donors so far have contributed to GO Barn!

GO Art! welcomes more support for cultural site at fairgrounds

Photo by Tom Rivers: Gregory Hallock, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, speaks on Oct. 29 about a plan for a new cultural facility at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The building is planned for the west end of the Fairgrounds near Taylor Hill Road.

KNOWLESVILLE – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has raised $11,725 from 187 donors so far towards the schematic drawings for the GO Barn! cultural center at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

“These contributions came from grassroots efforts, including checks, cash donations, and online contributions,” said Gregory Hallock, the GO Art! executive director. “It represents significant community support and the dedication of individuals across Orleans and neighboring counties.”

GO Art! is seeking $150,000 towards the final designs for the project, which are needed so GO Art! can pursue grants and other funding.

GO Art! is planning a major fundraiser, The Wells Barn Legacy Fundraiser, to boost donations. In the meantime, Hallock said there is a strong committee of volunteers to help raise additional funds to fill the gap. These efforts will include promoting ticket sales for the fundraiser.

If GO Art! doesn’t hit the fundraising goal soon, Hallock said the organization is prepared to utilize lines of credit to keep the project on track.

“However, maintaining the availability of these funds is crucial, as they are often used to cover upfront costs for our reimbursable grants,” he said. “By minimizing reliance on credit, we can ensure that our broader programs and operations remain unaffected while still advancing the GO Barn! project.”

Rendering by Red Green Design: The three-story building would have the look of a barn, with the silo having an elevator and stairs to access the three floors. GO Art! said the facility would boost arts programs, agricultural education and entrepreneurial initiatives.

GO Art! is actively seeking volunteers, “go-getters” and community influencers to join this effort. Those interested in helping can contact Hallock directly at ghallock@goart.org.

In the meantime, GO Art! is making a year-end push to encourage additional contributions. Donations can be made online at goart.org/gobarn.

“We welcome all levels of support to bring this project closer to reality,” he said.

The fairgrounds is an ideal location for the cultural center, located between Medina and Albion, Hallock said.

“It will be a dynamic cultural community hub designed to bring arts, agricultural education, and entrepreneurial opportunities together under one roof,” he said.

GO Barn! would serve as a vibrant space for a wide range of arts and educational programs, with workshops spanning fine arts, culinary arts, horticulture, fiber arts, and more, Hallcok said.

The building would have flexible or adaptable space that could be used for many things. Hallock and Go Art! envision two art galleries, artist studios and a residence where artists could bunk instead of driving home in the wee hours of the night. Hallock would like to the building to be used for many art forms – culinary, folk, horticultural, literary, visual, muli-media and more.

Hallock said the site would likely be built in stages. He said a July 2025 start is possible with the project’s target completion in July 2028.

He listed the following potential new programs:

Fiber arts and crafts; culinary arts; horticultural and agriculture programs; art and design classes; animals and fiber arts; health, wellness and social programs; technology and innovation programs; performing arts and music classes; film and digital media classes; woodworking classes and workshops; crafts and do-it-yourself classes; sustainability and eco-classes; business and entrepreneurship classes; collaborative and community projects; educational and community events; bar and beverage service; event space rentals.

The facility would be accessible and inclusive to all community members, Hallock said. The GoBarn would have hands-on programs in arts, agriculture and sustainability that would provide workforce readiness. Hallock said GO Art! wants to partner with local schools and organizations in “fostering a lifelong learning environment.”