Georgetown City Council approved May 22 up to $400,000 in construction funding, as well as the operations agreement for the proposed art center that will be located in the historic downtown fire station at 816 S. Main St.

The funding plan will use funds from the downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, downtown funds from the sale of property, Convention and Visitor Bureau forgivable loan funds and parkland dedication fees, according to city documents.

One of the purposes of the art center is to provide gallery space for local artists to display their work. The center would also have instructional and workshop space that could be used for children's activities, an after-school program, summer camps, a meeting room and studio art projects for all ages, Georgetown Public Library Director Eric Lashley said.

The plans for the center are focused on visual arts at this point because there are other venues in town for the performing arts, although small musical performances could be held at the center, he said.

According to the agreement, the city would retain ownership of the building and provide funds for some initial operating costs, and partner with a nonprofit organization that would provide volunteers to staff the center, organize and provide instructors for classes, raise funds and apply for grants.

Lashley said eventually the center would raise enough money to be self-sufficient by its second year of operation.