FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Arts United is looking to expand and hoping the community will help. On Tuesday, Arts United announced their community giving phase of a ‘Soaring Vision’ to expand and modernize the Arts United Center.
Private donors and public funding supported the majority of this $40 million capital campaign. Arts United is now inviting the public to help raise the remaining $2.5 million to complete the project with matching opportunities provided by the AWS Foundation and the Do it Best Foundation.
Arts United released the following:
Arts United, which owns and operates the venue, will address the accessibility for guests and participants, functionality to equip spaces for local theatre, dance, and musical productions, support the historic preservation of Louis I. Kahn’s design and architecture, and enhance the connectivity to other downtown amenities through the expansion and modernization project.
The expansion and modernization plans include an accessible Community Arts Center lobby, Community Scene Shop, administrative space for resident organization Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, enhancements to the parking lot, modernized operational systems, and theatre technology throughout the venue.
“ Our ‘ soaring vision’ elevates Arts Campus Fort Wayne as a regional hub for community, inclusivity, and accessibility,” said Dan Ross, president and CEO of Arts United. “ With the support and generosity of our community partners the Do it Best Foundation and AWS Foundation, we are another step closer to this reality.”
Gifts made to the capital campaign in its community giving phase will be matched dollar for dollar up to $ 1.25 million thanks to the matching funds provided by AWS Foundation and the Do it Best Foundation.
“AWS Foundation and Arts United are committed to making the Arts United Center a creative hub where everyone, of every ability, can participate in the arts,” said Patti Hays, CEO of AWS Foundation.
“ One of our core pillars for giving through the Do it Best Foundation is our strong support of the arts,” said Nick Talarico, Do it Best Foundation president. “ Fort Wayne is blessed to have such an iconic community space, and our challenge grant ensures that the Arts United Center continues to serve diverse audiences and performances for decades to come.”
The theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary season this fall. As part of the festivities, Arts United is hosting an open house-style event at the theatre on October 8, 2023 from 1 pm to 5 pm, which will highlight the rich history of the building in the community and a closer look at the upcoming renovations. More information about this event can be found here. For more information about Arts United and how to support the capital campaign, visit ASoaringVision.org
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