Public Art Funded by Private Citizens

Dan Lawrie believes that investing in public art can enrich lives. To contribute to that enrichment, Lawrie, CEO of Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers Ltd., launched a family fund with the Burlington Foundation in 2013.

The longtime Burlington resident created the fund to help educate and increase the public’s understanding, appreciation and accessibility of visual and sculptural arts.

“Through my personal interest in art and sculpture and through my travels to various places in the world where I have been inspired by public sculpture, I decided to create a sculpture garden closer to home for the enjoyment and benefit of my own community,” Lawrie said.

The Dan Lawrie Family Foundation established and supported a public sculpture garden in Hendrie Park at the Royal Botanical Gardens. The goal was to display and feature an international sculpture collection and other works of art.  The garden’s first sculpture was the Rejoicing Family by Zimbabwean artist Taurai Mutigwa.

“I believe investing in public art can enrich lives, enhance communities and inspire innovation, learning and creativity,” Lawrie said.

He hopes this fund will help enhance the cultural vibrancy of the cities of Burlington and Hamilton, as well as surrounding areas, by engaging the imagination of residents and visitors.