The Vice President of the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation says more financial support is needed to keep Portage's ArtsSmarts program alive. 

The program is in its phasing-out period with significant funding cuts on the way. 

 

Stephen Huddart met with Portage's community leaders last week, in hopes of attracting financial support.  He explained research shows school attendance and participation levels among students increased while involved with ArtsSmarts. 

 

Over the last three years the Portage School Division has been supporting ArtsSmarts with 20 thousand dollars annually.  Huddart is hoping the business community can match their contributions.