Walton Arts Center breaks ground on $23 million expansion
by June 23, 2015 7:03 pm 392 views
The Walton Arts Center held a ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday (June 23) celebrating the $23 million expansion and renovation of the Fayetteville center. The groundbreaking also kicks off the closing of Walton Arts Center beginning July 1. It will re-open in November for a full season of programs while construction continues until the scheduled completion in November of 2016.
Walton Arts Center has raised over $20.5 million to date or 89% of the $23 million goal and encourages the public to join them and to help complete the fundraising goal.
The Investing in our Future: The Expansion of Walton Arts Center capital campaign will add 30,000 square feet of space; including a new and expanded atrium 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 for staff. These enhancements will modernize the facility and create a destination for more arts, education programs, special events and community gatherings.
“This is a historic day in the life of Walton Arts Center. The expansion of Walton Arts Center will transform the relationship between Walton Arts Center patrons, artists and children while helping to dramatically impact Dickson Street and the entertainment district,” said Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center.
The nonprofit also announced the Helen R. Walton Distinguished Achievement Award was awarded to Pat Walker, an individual whose outstanding service, support and leadership has had a significant impact on bringing the communities of Northwest Arkansas together in support of the arts and the culture life of our community.
“Pat Walker shares the generosity and philanthropic vision of Helen Walton, pledging her time and talents to our community,” said Lane. “Mrs. Walkers’ personal involvement and legacy of philanthropy have impacted innumerable lives.”