The Friends of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts has announced a $5 million capital campaign to finish the Creativity Center across the street from the BCPA on Locust Street.
Capital campaigns usually have a quiet phase seeking major donors before a public campaign, but BCPA Development Manager Cara Peterson said not in this case.
"Since this has been really a 10-year plus project, we wanted to start the public phase right off the bat and get it out there since it has already been going on so long. Now we have all of our ducks in a row. We have the city backing us and a number of other organizations," said Peterson.
In 2005, just under $1 million was raised for the purpose, but the effort fell by the wayside as city finances and the economy deteriorated.
Peterson said the money in hand will be for a new roof and heating, ventilation, and cooling units starting this fall.
"The next phase would be all of the interior, all of the goodies, all the fun stuff. That's going to include the black box theater, the music studios, the dance studios, recording studio, gallery space as well as office space for local artists and art organizations," said Peterson.
Other phases would go forward as the money comes in.
President of the Board of Directors Vicki Tilton said, “I am so pleased that we are now organized and have begun the process of bringing the renovations to fruition to fill this need in Bloomington. When we teach people to create, they are less likely to destroy! Quality of life in the Bloomington-Normal community will benefit greatly from this facility!”
Another arm of the center will focus on serving those in need, including veterans, at-risk youth, and people with disabilities through art therapy.
The Friends of the BCPA will have its kickoff fundraiser, The Artgasm silent auction, on Oct. 5.
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