Give now
By Chris Walker (Contact)
Originally published 02:12 p.m., February 26, 2008
Updated 02:12 p.m., February 26, 2008
The Emporia Arts Council is in the final push to raise $2.6 million dollars for a new building. The campaign has been quietly raising money for the last two years and it has raised $1.8 million so far. With a little help from the community the new building can be a reality.
The Mabee Foundation from Oklahoma is giving our community an incentive to reach the goal. If our community can raise the remaining $400,000 to reach $2.2 million by April, the foundation will give us $330,000 to finish out the campaign.
The arts council is important to our community because it provides art, education and entertainment activities for the community. Each year more than 18,000 people take part in arts council activities. During the life of the council, it has served almost 300,000 people
The arts council has been in its current location for 15 years, and it has really outgrown the building. The current space is not ADA compliant and lacks the space and facilities to properly hold classes, art exhibits and theatrical performances.
If the money can be raised, the new building would be next door to the Granada Theatre in the location of Dayton’s and Tall Grass Art and Frame. The new center would provide ample space for all the art council activities. Having the arts council next to the renovated Granada would be a perfect complement for both organizations and provide a first-class art and entertainment complex for the community.
The arts council was started 32 years ago as a way to improve the quality of life in Emporia. As our community continues to change, quality-of-life issues are important to help attract and retain people in our community.
If you have not given a donation to the project, please consider giving one. Large or small, every donation will help reach the goal.
If you would like more information call, Melissa Windsor, arts council executive director, at 343-6473.