MONROE - The Monroe Arts Center is going public with its capital campaign to fund expansion plans.
MAC is kicking off the effort with a volunteer orientation Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24, according to Kevin Callahan, primary organizer of the public campaign.
Over the past six years, the MAC has been quietly engaged in a focused phase of its capital and endowment campaign, reaching $2.5 million of its total $3.5 million goal to date.
"That shows how much local businesses and devoted individuals support the arts in the community," Callahan said.
Plans call for a new building to be built in MAC's east parking lot that will provide full accessibility - easy vehicle drop off and pick up; a public reception area; an elevator and link to the existing building, a historic church, to allow access to the upper-level concert hall and the lower level; flexible gallery and storage spaces; and flexible spaces for classes, meetings, workshops and receptions. The capital project also includes restoring the former church building and parsonage.
The campaign committee would like to "wrap up the campaign by the end of summer," he added, with the hopes of beginning construction on the expansion project next spring. Campaign volunteers at the orientation will receive an update on the project's status, as well as campaign brochures and other materials to provide to the public.
"We are organized to go public with this campaign," Callahan said in an announcement released Friday, April 19. "We developed a structure for this campaign and estimated the number of people needed to make it work. We could not be more pleased with the turnout. We are hitting all of our marks."
According to Richard Daniels, MAC director, the expansion is needed to improve the functionality of the arts center and add an educational dimension to current programming. MAC programming has not included an educational curriculum mostly because of the physical constraints of its building, he said.
"MAC has a state-wide reputation for offering first-rate concerts and has a growing reputation for its visual arts program," Daniels said in the news release. "The performing and visual arts really require a consistent education program to enhance appreciation. The new building and the restored lower level of the church will have dedicated space for education."
Also in the release, Callahan noted the educational dimension gives value to the community.
"As schools across the country cut back on arts education, it is critical for art centers to fill the gap," Callahan said.
MAC has seen significant growth over the past 10 years, according to Daniels: Membership has increased almost 50 percent, while ticket sales have increased 150 percent. During this same time period, underwriting support has grown almost 600 percent.
Callahan and others MAC members are available to speak with individuals, businesses, service clubs and organizations on how the benefits of the project. For more information, call the Monroe Arts Center at 608-325-5700 or email info@monroeartscenter.com. Contributions are tax-deductible.
MAC is kicking off the effort with a volunteer orientation Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24, according to Kevin Callahan, primary organizer of the public campaign.
Over the past six years, the MAC has been quietly engaged in a focused phase of its capital and endowment campaign, reaching $2.5 million of its total $3.5 million goal to date.
"That shows how much local businesses and devoted individuals support the arts in the community," Callahan said.
Plans call for a new building to be built in MAC's east parking lot that will provide full accessibility - easy vehicle drop off and pick up; a public reception area; an elevator and link to the existing building, a historic church, to allow access to the upper-level concert hall and the lower level; flexible gallery and storage spaces; and flexible spaces for classes, meetings, workshops and receptions. The capital project also includes restoring the former church building and parsonage.
The campaign committee would like to "wrap up the campaign by the end of summer," he added, with the hopes of beginning construction on the expansion project next spring. Campaign volunteers at the orientation will receive an update on the project's status, as well as campaign brochures and other materials to provide to the public.
"We are organized to go public with this campaign," Callahan said in an announcement released Friday, April 19. "We developed a structure for this campaign and estimated the number of people needed to make it work. We could not be more pleased with the turnout. We are hitting all of our marks."
According to Richard Daniels, MAC director, the expansion is needed to improve the functionality of the arts center and add an educational dimension to current programming. MAC programming has not included an educational curriculum mostly because of the physical constraints of its building, he said.
"MAC has a state-wide reputation for offering first-rate concerts and has a growing reputation for its visual arts program," Daniels said in the news release. "The performing and visual arts really require a consistent education program to enhance appreciation. The new building and the restored lower level of the church will have dedicated space for education."
Also in the release, Callahan noted the educational dimension gives value to the community.
"As schools across the country cut back on arts education, it is critical for art centers to fill the gap," Callahan said.
MAC has seen significant growth over the past 10 years, according to Daniels: Membership has increased almost 50 percent, while ticket sales have increased 150 percent. During this same time period, underwriting support has grown almost 600 percent.
Callahan and others MAC members are available to speak with individuals, businesses, service clubs and organizations on how the benefits of the project. For more information, call the Monroe Arts Center at 608-325-5700 or email info@monroeartscenter.com. Contributions are tax-deductible.