Tuscarawas Set to Build Performing Arts Center
July 2006
Kent State Tuscarawas announced plans in May to construct a 55,000-square-foot Fine and Performing Arts Center that will enrich its academic and cultural programs, community cultural organizations and economic development in the Tuscarawas Valley. A groundbreaking ceremony for the $13.5 million center will be held in 2007.
To date, nearly $3 million has been raised for the center's $6 million capital campaign. "We greatly appreciate the extremely generous response from the community," said Dr. Gregg L. Andrews, dean of Kent State Tuscarawas. "Research indicates that arts organizations contribute directly to economic growth through job creation, development of new businesses, increased tourism and patronage of local restaurants and hotels."
Lead benefactors for the center include the Tuscarawas County University District Board of Trustees, which has pledged $1 million, the Reeves Foundation, which has committed $500,000, and the Tuscarawas County University Foundation, which has pledged $250,000. In addition, one individual has anonymously pledged $1 million in support. "I thoroughly enjoy the theatre and look forward to major shows and performances the center will be able to attract to the area," the benefactor said.
Major gifts of $50,000 each have come from Lauren International and the Timken Foundation of Canton. Other community partners include First Federal Community Bank, Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union, the Dominion Foundation and the Jeanne Souers Garcia Foundation.
The Fine and Performing Arts Center will enable the campus to expand academic programs in music, theatre, art and dance, and to enhance the existing Artist/Lecture and Voices of Distinction Feature Speaker events. Upon completion in 2009, the center will be available for use by community cultural organizations and business and professional organizations.
The need for the center was identified through a campus strategic plan and a feasibility study. Kent State Tuscarawas is now exploring the creation of a new degree in Entertainment Design Technology. "This can prepare students for careers in theatre production, advertising, television, film, film sets, animation and theme parks," Andrews said. "Our well-respected Engineering Technology Department offers majors in computer-aided design, electronics and computer design and animation that are valuable components of this new degree and are highly relevant to the entertainment industry."
The center also will expand program opportunities for local schools, community organizations and business groups. A feasibility study conducted by the Research and Evaluation Center at Kent State Stark identified several community arts organizations that have either outgrown their own facilities or sometimes need a larger venue. According to Andrews, "Local K-12 school districts that do not have rehearsal or performance space for their arts programs will also be able to utilize this dedicated facility to broaden their production and opportunities."
The Fine and Performing Arts Center is expected to attract audiences from a seven-county area and stimulate economic development in the Tuscarawas Valley.
Tuscarawas Set to Build Performing Arts Center July 2006 Kent State Tuscarawas announced plans in May to construct a 55,000-square-foot Fine and Performing Arts Center that will enrich its academic and cultural programs, community cultural organizations and economic development in the Tuscarawas Valley. A groundbreaking ceremony for the $13.5 million center will be held in 2007. To date, nearly $3 million has been raised for the center's $6 million capital campaign. "We greatly appreciate the extremely generous response from the community," said Dr. Gregg L. Andrews, dean of Kent State Tuscarawas. "Research indicates that arts organizations contribute directly to economic growth through job creation, development of new businesses, increased tourism and patronage of local restaurants and hotels."
Major gifts of $50,000 each have come from Lauren International and the Timken Foundation of Canton. Other community partners include First Federal Community Bank, Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union, the Dominion Foundation and the Jeanne Souers Garcia Foundation. The Fine and Performing Arts Center will enable the campus to expand academic programs in music, theatre, art and dance, and to enhance the existing Artist/Lecture and Voices of Distinction Feature Speaker events. Upon completion in 2009, the center will be available for use by community cultural organizations and business and professional organizations. The need for the center was identified through a campus strategic plan and a feasibility study. Kent State Tuscarawas is now exploring the creation of a new degree in Entertainment Design Technology. "This can prepare students for careers in theatre production, advertising, television, film, film sets, animation and theme parks," Andrews said. "Our well-respected Engineering Technology Department offers majors in computer-aided design, electronics and computer design and animation that are valuable components of this new degree and are highly relevant to the entertainment industry." The center also will expand program opportunities for local schools, community organizations and business groups. A feasibility study conducted by the Research and Evaluation Center at Kent State Stark identified several community arts organizations that have either outgrown their own facilities or sometimes need a larger venue. According to Andrews, "Local K-12 school districts that do not have rehearsal or performance space for their arts programs will also be able to utilize this dedicated facility to broaden their production and opportunities." The Fine and Performing Arts Center is expected to attract audiences from a seven-county area and stimulate economic development in the Tuscarawas Valley. |