Walton Arts Center Receives $1 Million
by June 15, 2016 9:53 am 145 views
Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville will use a $1 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to attract a greater number of quality artists and performances.
WAC announced the grant in a press release Tuesday. The foundation’s support will also aid with the ongoing renovations to add nearly 30,000 SF at its Dickson Street location and allow it to operate as a “vibrant two-theater complex.”
The grant was made in honor of Neal Pendergraft for his years of service as a trustee of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. Neal and Gina Pendergraft are longtime Fayetteville residents and Walton Arts Center supporters.
“I want to thank our chairman, Fred W. Smith, and the other trustees of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation for honoring me with this grant,” said Neal Pendergraft. “Gina and I are proud to support the expansion of the Walton Arts Center. It is exciting to give back to our community, especially in an area we are so passionate about… live music.”
The grant will also provide for the start of new programming, such as a series called West Street Live presented by Neal Pendergraft. West Street Live will offer a five-show, multi-genre series for live music fans in the renovated Starr Theater.
The theater will provide for a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of listening rooms and nightclubs, creating an intimate experience with the music and the musicians.
“This commitment to underwrite new programming in the renovated Starr Theater and to support the program endowment will serve as a catalyst for Walton Arts Center,” said Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center. “This transformational gift will allow us to create new and diverse musical offerings.”