The Governor of Illinois, Governor Pritzker, has announced $119 million for the construction of the Center for the Performing Arts at Western Illinois University. The financing was made possible by the governor's unprecedented, bipartisan Reconstruction Illinois capital plan.
The Center will include:
- 100,000 square-foot structure
- Office space
- 850 seat Performance space
- Practice rooms
- Studios to support the interdisciplinary work of Western Illinois University students
According to Darik News, the new Center for the Performing Arts will serve as a cultural and performing arts destination. The campus will serve the community, the city of Macomb, and the entire western Illinois area.
The Great Hall, the 850 seat Proscenium Theatre, will provide state-of-the-art performance space for:
- Musical productions
- Theatre productions
- Dance performances
- Regional and national touring acts
WRAM 977 WMOI reports that the smaller Black Box Theatre will provide a more intimate space for campus products. Construction is slated to begin in 2022.
"We appreciate Governor J.B. Pritzker, Deputy Governor for Education Martin Torres, the General Assembly and the Capital Development Board for continuing to move forward on this much-anticipated iconic Center for Performing Arts. We look forward to watching the building construction progress and anxiously await the day we can celebrate its grand opening. The Center for Performing Arts will enhance Western's academic distinction and provide our region with state-of-the-art music, dance and theatre facilities. This is a true investment for WIU and west-central Illinois. Once again, we extend our gratitude to the Governor, the CDB, our legislators, businesses, alumni, friends, and donors for their dedication to this project."
Western Illinois University President | Guiyou Huang
My Journal Courier states that State Senator Jil Tracy said the new facilities will enhance performing arts education programs and studies in all academic disciplines, as well as boost entertainment and educational opportunities for the residents of West-central Illinois and beyond.
Governor Pritzker's bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan provides essential funding to support the revitalization and improvement of Illinois roadways, state facilities, universities, bridges, and railways over a six-year period. The initiative seeks to address critical infrastructure needs and create economic opportunities across the state.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - CDB Western Illinois University Performing Arts Center (0015050322)