|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEST NEBRASKA ARTS CENTER
THE BUILDING West Nebraska Arts Center sits on the site of the old Campbellite Church. The land was sold to the City Library, July 26, 1921, by St. Andrew¹s Episcopal Church. In 1921, with funds obtained from the Carnegie Foundation, the library board constructed the first portion (the west third) of the present building. The City Library then moved into the Carnegie Library in April of 1922. A large addition was built on the east by a WPA grant in 1936. In September, 1966 the City Library moved to its new location, and the Carnegie Library was lent to Hiram Scott College for one year, to be used as class space. In May, 1967 the West Nebraska League of Arts became a non-profit corporation. The City of Scottsbluff, recognizing the need for an arts center, leased the building to the new corporation. In 1976 the non-profit corporation changed the name to the West Nebraska Arts Center. The building is listed in the Historic Registry. In 1982, a renovation project brought the building to its present state. It houses a gallery, upstairs office/storage room, Dorothy Bronson Little Theatre, education/class room, and offices of the Director and Assistant Director. (Info researched with the assistance of Danielle Bodine, Mrs. J. M. Stoops, and Mrs. Francis Bruce.; 1998, 2002 edited by Susan Selvey, former Executive Director)
Over the past 32 years the West Nebraska Arts Center experienced growth that placed it in the forefront of arts activities in Nebraska. Throughout the years, hundreds of volunteers have contributed countless hours in the development of arts programming that enriches the quality of life in our community. A twelve member Board of Directors provides leadership in policy and planning and services the direction of eight program committees. A professional staff manages the center¹s daily operations. The Center is recognized as a major community-based arts organization in Nebraska. The Center coordinates arts education programs, adult education courses and summer performing and visual arts camps. Artist residencies in rural and city schools, summer art classes and workshops held at the Arts Center throughout the year provide opportunities for quality interaction with professional artists that enhance the cultural development of the community. This area of programming reflects the Center¹s belief in the value of arts as a basic need for human learning. The presentation of live performances of theatre, music and dance is a programming mainstay. Foothills Theatre, our professional children¹s theatre, offers productions at the historical Midwest Theatre downtown Scottsbluff. Foothills Theatre serves over 6000 students a year.
The Performing Arts Series is in partnership with the Scotts Bluff Concert Association, Western Nebraska Community College and Theatre West. Artists of national reputation and Nebraska touring groups are featured such as the Vienna Choir Boys, the Guthrie Theatre, the Omaha Symphony, David Taylor Dance Theater, and the Acting Company. The Arts Center also serves as the central ticket office for arts organizations in the Panhandle. The Center sponsors gallery exhibitions that explore unique styles and use of media. Displays of fine local and regional artists, juried exhibits, youth shows and touring exhibitions are regularly scheduled. Special programs and activities celebrate involvement in the arts by the entire community. For every dollar spent on the arts, three or more dollars are generated in retail, hotel, restaurant and transportation within the local economy. The Center is a vital contributor to the community¹s social and business fabric, attracting investment and tourists. Mission The West Nebraska Arts Center (WNAC) is a regional cultural resource center to build awareness and foster excellence in the arts by:
For more information, call (308) 632-2226.
Copyright © 2002-2003 Twin Cities Development Association, Inc. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
