CHESTER, VA – Only months away from breaking ground, the Chesterfield Center for the Arts, to be located on Centre Street adjacent to the Chester Library, is looking forward to a grand opening projected to be in the fall of 2017.
The planning is concluding on the 19,000 square foot performing arts venue to be built by Whiting Turner Contracting Company, a worldwide construction and an award winning interest. It has built a number of contemporary, institutional and famous landmarks including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
The art center located in Chester will include: a 350-seat performing arts theatre, visual arts display area, multi-purpose room and possibly classrooms. Ample parking is planned, adding 200 spaces to the library’s existing space. While the county will build the approximately $7 million (approved in a 2004 referendum project), the Chesterfield Center for the Arts Foundation (CCAF) must raise operating expenses for the first two years (over $2 million). The Foundation has raised $1.5 million, but in the meantime, the Foundation must raise at least $600.000 to $700,000 to make its commitment to Chesterfield County for operating expenses.
The Chesterfield Economic Development Department, will own the building until it is completed, will transfer it to the Foundation that will then operate the center. Board Director Elizabeth Matthews said, the County will help maintain the building as the landlord but will not pay for programs, budgeting, hiring and volunteers.
Matthews in addition to Board Chairman Hugh Cline have indicated that there are still a number of ways for the community to contribute to funding the center:
Naming rights for the Center or a portion of the Center
Theatre seats are available for a $1,000 contribution
You can become a “$20,000 Club Member” and have your name placed on the “Wall of Recognition”
No donation is too small, the Foundation asks that you consider yours today. For more information visit www.artschesterfieldva.org
