Underway

After literally years of planning, beginning with a referendum on the ballot in 2010 through designs by Wight & Company Architecture and plans by Mortenson Construction, the McAninch Arts Center is being renovated. In the mainstage the seats are gone, the wall paneling removed and the carpet pulled up leaving bare concrete. Next will come scaffolding  to the roof to remove the ceiling and the old heating/ cooling duct work. All this in preparation for a fantastic face lift.

We too in the front office are preparing for a transition. Asking ourselves how we may better serve the cultural needs of the many communities we serve. Whether that is as a center for arts education, a venue for community groups to use, as a curator of arts experiences, a producer of classical music and repertory theatre or something we have yet to imagine; we are not sure yet.

We would love it if our audience joined in the discussion. Simply tell us, in recent history, what was the best moment you have had at the MAC and what perhaps you would like to experience new in the future. Comment here on the blog or email me cummins@cod.edu.

be well
Stephen

Engage With Me

As many of you know the McAninch Arts Center is closing this month for a major 18-month renovation that, when complete, will once again set the bar for community college arts education, performance and exhibition space. In the interim we continue to present and produce arts events on campus and throughout our community. In the coming months we will be creating a plan for our return to a renovated performing arts center. I will be using this blog to engage in a discourse about arts and culture, the role of a community college in supporting a cultural mission, and the challenges we face. I invite friends, colleagues and contrarians to engage with me and share your thoughts.

Best

Stephen

The MAC is Getting a Facelift

Rendering by Wight & Company

Dear Friends of the MAC,

These are exciting times. In case you haven’t heard, the McAninch Arts Center is going to receive a much needed renovation. Our theaters, gallery and educational spaces are beginning to show their 25 years and we are looking forward to the improvements that the College will make.


The renovation is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2012, while the MAC doors may be closed, the MAC activities will continue. Our plans are to ensure that the programming our patrons have come to depend on continues. We are making arrangements to present New Philharmonic, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, K-8 educational programming, and some fan favorite MAC artists in various venues out in our community. Music and theater department performances will take place in other spaces on the COD campus.

As we know more we will be sure to share the information with you. So stay tuned for programming and renovation updates and we’ll see you soon at the MAC.

Sincerely,
Stephen Cummins
Director, McAninch Arts Center