Welcome to Arts Center Task Force's newsletter, where you can find the latest news about the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center (MCPAC)!
Our mission remains unwavering: to build and operate the MCPAC, a vibrant, state-of-the-art facility for artistic expression and innovation. Thanks to our donors, volunteers, and the dedication of our incredible team, we've made substantial progress toward beginning construction on the MCPAC.
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ED Talks - Thoughts from the Executive Director
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ED Talks - Thoughts from the Executive Director
Welcome to Arts and Econ 101 - MCPAC version
I often remind community members that arts organizations are solid economic contributors in their communities. This month, I am backing that up with some recent data we have started working with.
I am sure many of you are familiar with Americans for the Arts, the leading arts and culture advocates in the country. Roughly 30 years ago, AFTA embarked on a project to quantify the economic benefits of arts and culture. The most recent update is called Arts and Economic Prosperity 6. AEP 6 provides detailed findings on 373 regions from across all 50 states, ranging in population from 4,000 to 4 million - representing rural, suburban, and large urban communities. Audience members at my former facility in Tennessee provided data for that region’s contributions to the study.
The national combined results are staggering. Arts and culture organizations generated $151.7 billion in economic activity in 2022—$73.3 billion in spending by arts organizations and an additional $78.4 billion in event-related expenditures by their audiences. They supported 2.6 million jobs, providing $101 billion in personal income, and generated $29.1 billion in tax revenue.
Our Tri-Cities arts organizations did not directly participate in a regional study. However, the cunning minds at AFTA came up with a simple model, allowing any organization to estimate the economic impact of their efforts based on data from comparable regions. The model uses 3 starting criteria – population of the metro area where the organization is located, annual expense budget for the organization, and their annual attendance.
I fed the model our projected numbers for year 3 of the new Center’s operation, taken from our proposal and business plan. Projected 2028 population = 350,000, Expenses = $1.5 M, Attendance = 65,000.
Lo and behold, here are the results it provided in 4 main areas of economic activity – Total Expenditures, Supported Jobs (FT, PT & Seasonal), Household Income, and Local/State/Federal Revenue (taxes).
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I know these numbers might require further explanation in a future newsletter, but they clearly demonstrate that the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center will have a significant positive economic impact on our community—driving local spending, creating jobs, and enhancing economic vitality. By investing in the arts, we are investing in our community’s future.
If, like me, you want to understand all this in greater detail and learn more about all the findings from AEP 6, you can check out www.aep6.americansforthearts.org.
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Looking for Some Inspiration?
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At some point last fall, I stumbled upon a short video that we have used recently during events like our Fundraising Breakfast in December and Rotary and other presentations. It has provided inspiration, not only for our team, but for others who have seen it. We think our newsletter readers might like to be inspired too.
I need to cue it up a bit before you click on the link below, so please read on.
The video is about Field Arts and Events Hall in Port Angeles. A fairly new facility on the Olympic Peninsula that opened in 2023. The video was produced in collaboration between the Field Arts management team and LMN Architects, who designed the facility and participated in the construction. LMN also happens to be the group we have been working with on conceptual designs and cost estimates for our project.
The video features excellent visuals and commentary on important aspects of the design and how the community is utilizing it.
What struck me when I first saw it is the similarity to our Mid-Columbia Arts Center project. Their main hall is a bit smaller than ours. 500 seats compared to our roughly 800 seats. Of course, their square footage is slightly less due to this, however like us, there is also ancillary space for other smaller community events. The inspirational part for me is that, although it is focused on Port Angeles, they could just as well be talking about our proposed site in Columbia Park West and our community members who will benefit from its operations.
Take a look and soak in some inspiration!
Blake
*You’ll find the video near the bottom of the web page link below.
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Get ready for the Second Annual Spring Gala on Saturday, May 17, from 6 PM to 10 PM. Mark your calendars and stay tuned—details coming soon. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Community Information Session #1
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We had a great turn out at our first Community Information Session on January 15, 2025. With over 50 attendees the room was packed with inquiring individuals. Our panelist of speakers for the night included Blake Smith Executive Director, Jonathon Dickey Board Chair for Mid-Columbia Ballet & MCAF, and Amber Maiden Operations Director with Arts Center Task Force.
If you missed it don't worry, our second Community Information Session is on February 3, 2025. Starting at 6:30pm at the Richland Public Library in the Doris Roberts Gallery. You can register for it at the button below.
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Community Information Session #2
Why Voting "Yes" Matters
As election day approaches, join us for an important event to learn how the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center will transform our community! This is a critical moment for the future of the arts and culture in the Tri-Cities. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how your "YES" vote will shape the community for generations to come.
This event is free and open to the entire Tri-Cities community! RSVPs are appreciated but not required — they help us plan and ensure a great experience for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Join Us in Shaping the Future of the Arts!
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We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team! Whether you're ready to take a seat on our board or contribute to a committee, there's a place for you.
Committees meet monthly (or as needed) and require 15 - 20 hours of dedication each month. You don't need to be a board member to join a committee!
Our Committees-
Fundraising
Marketing/Communications
Operations
Facilities
Finance
Board membership is application-based and offers a rewarding opportunity to help guide our nonprofit's vision and impact. Board membership requires 20 - 30 hours of dedication a month, with opportunities to attend partner performances and experience the art and culture of performing arts in our community.
No performing experience? No problem! All you need is enthusiasm and a desire to advocate for the arts in our community. Be part of the movement that will create a vibrant hub for artistic expression and cultural innovation.
Ready to make a difference? Join us today!
Email - amber@artscentertaskforce.com for more information.
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Recurring monthly donations are incredibly valuable to our organization as they provide a stable and reliable source of funding allowing us to focus on our mission and plan for next steps with confidence. For questions about becoming a monthly recurring donor, contact ACTF Development and Outreach Coordinator, Riley Osborn.
Click the link below to set up your recurring donation with a credit card or checking account, and let the funds be automatically deducted each month - no need to remember or send in payments; your valuable support happens seamlessly.
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If you'd like us to speak to your club or organization, please contact us at
Info@artscentertaskforce.com
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The Studio on Symons Street
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Need event, rehearsal, small performance, podcast and/or meeting space? Check out ACTF's Studio on Symons Street at 704 Symons in Richland. We have a wide range of video and audio equipment available for recordings, including a green screen and lighting equipment.
Contact Amber Maiden, Operations Director, for details and tours. Amber@artscentertaskforce.com
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Visit Us
704 Symons Street
Richland, WA 99352
P.O. Box 2131 (99352)
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Contact Us
509-530-1276
info@artscentertaskforcec.com
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