They have revealed that more than £6.5m. has been raised so far of its initial £7.5m. funding target.
The promoters said that this figure was nearly 90% of its capital campaign and about 70% of its overall target goal, which includes capital works and endowment funding.
Two-thirds of the cash has been raised privately and the States will contribute the remaining third, based on its commitment in last year's Budget to provide £1 for every £2 raised from individuals, trusts and foundations, corporate sponsors and the public up to £2.5m.
The States said then that the money would act as an economic enabler, boosting cultural and economic activity and stimulating creativity.
The funding update was revealed at a sell-out dinner to mark the 170th anniversary of Hugo’s arrival in Guernsey. Internationally acclaimed sculptor Nicole Farhi was the guest of honour and unveiled a life-size bronze bust of Hugo as a gift to the centre.
‘We are delighted to share this exciting milestone with our island community who have been so generous with their support,’ said Larry Malcic, chairman of the Victor Hugo Centre.
‘We were thrilled to celebrate this occasion as we unveiled Nicole’s incredible work of art on the anniversary of Hugo’s arrival on the island – it’s truly exceptional.
‘The sculpture and the Victor Hugo Centre will live on, challenging, inspiring, entertaining, teaching and educating both islanders and a large international audience about creativity, human dignity, social justice, freedom and equality.
‘These are values that we all share and values that we must protect and promote, because they are the foundation of civilised life. This fundraising achievement is proof that people believe in the centre and the benefits it will bring to Guernsey.’
Ms Farhi has wholeheartedly backed the idea of the project.
‘This centre is so important to have, not only for people in Guernsey as it allows them to learn more about Hugo and all his ideas which are so relevant to today, but also for tourists and international visitors to learn of the place that was a home for Hugo and inspired many of his most important works,’ she said.
The Hugo Centre is intended for the former States Offices, which became the Visitor Information Centre. It is hoped to have three elements to it – a performance and event space on the ground floor, a museum & interpretation centre on the first floor, and on the second floor a learning hub.
It said last year that it hoped building would start in 2026 and that the centre would be open by summer 2028.
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