Former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna and the current provincial government have announced that the Sussex arts community will receive more than $100,000 in funding.

Fundy Royal MP Alaina Lockhart announced Saturday that $77,500 from the government’s community Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency program. Moments later, McKenna – who is now TD Canada Trust’s deputy chair – announced a donation for another $25,000 for the Sussex Arts and Culture Centre.

"I just want the people here to know that they've not been forgotten,” said McKenna. “And secondly, to create a real industry, arts and crafts and culture represent a real economic force in communities."

The announcement comes just five months after the Potash mine closure eliminated hundreds of jobs in the small community.

"It's really wonderful for Sussex as we start to look at the future after the mine closure here, and what we want it to look like,” said Lockhart. “The arts community has been very strong in saying that they want to be part of future growth."

Mayor Marc Thorne says since the news of the mine closure, the community has been slowly trying to rebuild.

"We did get some rough news in January, but the Chamber of Commerce has been working very hard over the last few months to help with a strategic plan to move us ahead,” said Thorne. “A beautiful Saturday morning to get a chance to have announcements in this area just really brightens things up."

The centre is a place where art is displayed, created and learned about. Those in the arts community say the funding will now allow them to grow.

"I think this is going to be a real turning point for the community, the cultural community in particular in Sussex," said artist Peter Powning. "We will be bringing in stuff, artists, lectures, writing festivals, we'll be doing all kinds of things.”

The funding will also go towards work on the outside of the building and create a green space.

"Renovations to the building that will allow us to have transition ceramic studios, upgrades to the gallery and museum, and structural work that this heritage building really needs," said Powning.

The centre is planning to open its gallery up to work from artists across the province, with hopes of it becoming a cultural hub for the region.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ashley Blackford.