PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
GRANT AWARDED … Front row, left to right: Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller; Bryan Area Foundation Grant Committee Member Mike Johnson; Art Connects Us Campaign Committee Members Bill Martin and Megan Kimbell; Art Connects Us Campaign Committee Chair Russ Davies. Back row, left to right: Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade; Bryan Area Foundation incoming Chair Tom Turnbull; Bryan Area Foundation Director of Communications and Programs Jenny Horn; Bryan Area Foundation Grant Committee Chair Mark Miller; Bryan City School District Superintendent Mark Rairigh.
PRESS RELEASE – Built in 1903 and last updated in 1989, the historic Bryan Arts & Education Building, 325 West High Street, Bryan, has served generations of Williams County residents by hosting local school plays and concerts, as well as professional touring acts and speakers.
After 123 years of events, the facility is struggling to meet the community’s changing and growing needs, like accessibility barriers limiting participation, backstage and front-of-house infrastructure requiring modernization, and the creation of new amenities for performers and patrons alike.
To transform the beloved structure into a more state-of-the-art performance venue, the “Art Connects Us” campaign was launched to raise $6 million.
The Bryan Area Foundation, knowing that an investment in the arts provides a vibrant gathering place where the community can connect through shared cultural experiences, gave a $750,000 grant, the largest single grant in the Foundation’s history.
This investment, along with the other donations to the campaign, will also provide arts education to area youth, which research shows improves academic achievement, social and emotional development, and prepares young adults with the creativity, communication, and collaborative skills needed for adulthood.
Asked about the generosity of the Bryan Area Foundation, Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller said, “The Foundation’s grant represents a significant commitment to ensuring a thriving cultural legacy for generations to come by helping the ‘Art Connects Us’ campaign reach its financial goal.
It is our deep belief that the power of the arts and education can strengthen the fabric of our community. We are honored to play a leading role in making this vision a reality and invite other businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout Northwest Ohio to join us in supporting the campaign.”
Planned renovations for the building include the following:
- Fully accessible entrance and expanded lobby.
- Additional and updated restrooms.
- A new ticket counter and information desk.
- Community lounge and gallery space.
- Upgraded dressing rooms and a green room.
- A new scene shop.
- Modernized sound and lighting systems.
- Contemporary auditorium seating.
- And increased parking.