Arts Council Board of Directors voted unanimously to move forward with the purchase of property on Hwy 6 in College Station. SZH Architecture designs for renovation are underway, and JaCody Construction will begin work on the project this spring with completion scheduled for summer 2018.
With the purchase of the new location, the Arts Council has launched the public phase of a $2.5 million capital campaign with an announcement of private donations and public commitments currently totaling more than $1.9 million. This campaign will help relocate the Arts Council to a new home at 4180 Hwy 6 in College Station. This new address was strategically chosen by The Arts Council because of the high profile of the location — the site boasts highway frontage visibility to more than 80,000 vehicles a day with 39,000 households and a population of more than 100,000 within a five-mile radius.
"The Arts Council and our local arts scene have a profound impact on our community by improving our residents' quality of life, strengthening our economy, and attracting visitors," College Station Mayor Karl Mooney said. “The City Council enthusiastically supports the Arts Council's move to this new location. Its visibility and flexibility will surely result in reaffirming the presence and impact of the arts in our community."
Substantial leadership gifts from Coleen & Jay Bradfield launched the campaign, and generous donations from Sue Lee, Ann and Barry Satterwhite, Pam and Bob Smits, Denise Bermudez, Becky and B. Don Russell, Dr. Arthur Wolfe and the Wolfe Family, and multiple other contributors have made the building purchase and immediate construction possible. "Our Board and our CEO, Chris Dyer, have done an enormous amount of work to create the foundation for a successful campaign, both in terms of planning and fundraising,” The Arts Council Board President and donor to the project, Pam Smits commented. “To have exceeded 75 percent of the total project funding already raised ... before launching the public phase, and more than six months before opening, is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of The Arts Council’s supporters and the community's belief in the importance of this project. This is an exciting time for the arts in the Brazos Valley.”
The new facilities will more than double The Arts Council’s available exhibition space with a unique two-tier mezzanine gallery, and serve as an arts destination and visitor center for the Brazos Valley. The new location will also provide significantly expanded opportunities for youth arts education programs, establish incubator, retail and creation spaces for local artists, and feature an outdoor venue for public art and live events.
“We are fortunate to have an Arts Council that has a vested interest in enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike within our community,” shared City of Bryan Mayor, Andrew Nelson. “They serve a vital role in supporting our economic growth by enhancing Bryan’s quality of life through partnerships that provide new art exhibits, establish sustainable events, and facilitate continued interest in our community as a wonderful place to visit, live, work, and raise a family.” A key focus of the new facility and location will be to continue to grow the profile of the arts in the Brazos Valley by driving tourism, attracting and relocating new businesses and residents to the area, and encouraging current residents to stay in the community. When people see that they can experience a bountiful life with deep roots in the art, culture, and history right here in the Brazos Valley, they are truly excited to call the area home.
“This Arts Council campaign calls upon us to articulate and affirm the fundamental values and purposes of Art, Culture, and History in the rapidly changing environment of the Brazos Valley — filled with promise for improving lives and one in which creativity and curiosity will fuel the future,” commented Sarah Wilkinson, board treasurer for The Arts Council.
“We are overwhelmed with the support we have received thus far which has enabled The Arts Council to reach this important milestone in the arts in The Brazos Valley. Our new location provides our thriving arts scene in the Brazos Valley with an unprecedented level of visibility,” said Chris Dyer, Arts Council CEO. “Now we are asking for the Brazos Valley’s support in Phase II of our capital campaign to build upon our success and, more importantly, to ensure a high level of artistic programming at our new home for years to come.”
For more than 45 years, the Arts Council has established strong partnerships with Brazos Valley businesses and residents. Join the Arts Council as a member and donor today to make the Arts a visible and thriving economic driver in our community. In these many years, the Arts Council has grown to serve the 5,000 square mile Brazos Valley region and, since 2008, has provided millions of dollars in direct funding support to arts organizations throughout the Brazos Valley. Governed by a volunteer board of community leaders, The Arts Council continues to faithfully serve as the lead advocate for all arts and culture efforts in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington counties by providing innovative and impactful artistic opportunities to residents and visitors of the region.
To donate to the Arts Council capital campaign visit www.ACBV.org or call (979) 696-2787.
