Rumblings | March 5, 2009

Community Arts Center: several parties are discussing a complex in Eau Claire

Trevor Kupfer |

A small group of individuals have been discussing the possibility of a community arts center for a few years. The idea is still at a very preliminary stage, as the individuals represent organizations that don’t have the means to erect a center on their own, and are trying to partner with more interest groups for the best complex possible. “Pretty much anyone that has needs has been in on the conversation,” said Ben Richgruber, executive director of Eau Claire Regional Arts Center. The Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau has a committee that discusses spaces that would make the area a better tourism destination. “The arts center we see as definitely enhancing cultural offerings. Our area is known for our events and festivals, but they’re primarily outdoors, so this could broaden our offerings and make us more of a year-round destination,” Executive Director Linda Adler said. At this point, the conversations have been pointed toward what the facility would include and who would use it. “There are so many ways it could be done. We could dream about a multi-bajillion dollar complex, but we need to take that back down to reality,” Richgruber said. The group has yet to discuss where such a center would go, but UW-Eau Claire Communications Director Mike Rindo said the location is one of several concerns from the university’s perspective. “We’re considering it for classes as well as exhibition space, but more important than the use at this point is the proximity to the university,” he said. Eventually, the group will seek input from the general public, but the goal right now is to find out who else is talking about this, Adler said. “We need a better vision of what this could be, so then we can get that image out to the public. … The details are far off, because eventually costs and who pays for it come up and everyone goes cold,” she added with a laugh.

CONTACT: Ben Richgruber at 832-2787 or ben@eauclairearts.com.
 

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