North Capitol Hill’s Gage Academy of Art has received a $1 million gift, marking the school’s first-ever major endowment contribution. The gift was announced in conjunction with the kickoff of the school’s 25th anniversary of providing fine arts education, first in New York City and now at its 10th and E Galer campus.

According to a media release, Gage will have a considerable amount of flexibility in choosing how to use the endowment. The gift will ultimately give the school some financial footing as it seeks a new home. According to the release, the academy has outgrown its Capitol Hill location and is planning to relocate sometime in the next five years

Gage announced the gift from former student and trustee Anne Steele on Thursday at AXIS Gallery in Pioneer Square. In a statement, Steele said she was inspired by the range of ages, talents, and backgrounds Gage caters to.

“Art has always been an important part of my life, and I’ve seen firsthand the kind of transformational and creative impact that a passionate instructor and a deeply engaged arts community has on the trajectory of an individual,” she said.

Gage’s current home at 1501 10th Ave E is adjacent St. Mark’s and was purchased by the parish from Cornish College of the Arts in 2003 for $8.3 million, according to King County Records.

While the Gage campus lies outside the hub of most Capitol Hill arts activity, the school maintains a busy schedule of events, shows, and open galleries.