WAC Announces $5 Million Challenge Grant From Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation has awarded a $5 million challenge grant in support of its $23 million expansion plan to modernize the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. The donation was announced Tuesday in a WAC news release.

Funds from the challenge gift will be matched by contributions from other donors in order to reach the $23 million goal, according to the release.

The expansion will add 30,000 SF, including a new and expanded atrium lobby that connects to Dickson Street, significant renovations and expansion of Starr Theater, expanded space for back of house technical and theatrical equipment, and new administrative offices.

The improvements, according to the release, will also create a destination for more arts, special events, community gatherings and educational programming in the Fayetteville facility.

The goal is to complete the Dickson Street renovation by fall of 2016. Heavy construction of the main lobby and Starr Theater will occur during the off-peak summer months of 2015 and 2016 to minimize the impact on regular programming and ensure the arts center has a full season. Procter & Gamble’s 2015-16 Broadway Season goes on sale to current subscribers next week. 

“We are honored to receive a $5 million challenge grant from the Walton Family Foundation,” Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center, said in the release. “The Walton Family Foundation has been a generous supporter of the Walton Arts Center since the beginning. The Foundation’s participation in this capital campaign represents a strong vote of confidence in our future in Fayetteville, and the future of the arts in Northwest Arkansas.”

Formed out of a unique partnership between the University of Arkansas and the city of Fayetteville, WAC opened in 1992 as a nonprofit organization. Since opening our doors, the Walton Family Foundation has generously supported Walton Arts Center allowing us to diversify our programming initiatives while steadily increasing our annual attendance. Together, Walton Family Foundation and Walton Arts Center have worked to fulfill the demand for high quality arts and entertainment in our region. Arts access and education programs have increased in astonishing ways and Northwest Arkansas has received national recognition in the arts.

The Walton Family Foundation’s support has strengthened Walton Arts Center as an organization, increased our standing in the arts presenting industry, and broadened our capacity to continue to provide outstanding arts services to the community.

“With lead gifts such as this from the Walton Family Foundation, the Walton Arts Center’s campaign is off to a very strong start,” said Lane. “We are now expanding and intensifying our fundraising efforts to build on this generosity. We hope that this campaign will not only succeed in increasing support for the Walton Arts Center, but with increased programming, we will serve even more members of our community.”