FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Arts United announced Tuesday their community giving phase of a ‘Soaring Vision’ to expand and modernize the Arts United Center. Private donors and public funding supported the majority of this $40 million capital campaign. Arts United is now inviting the public to help raise the remaining $2.5 million to complete the project with matching opportunities provided by AWS Foundation and the Do it Best Foundation.

The expansion and modernization plans include an accessible Community Arts Center lobby, Community Scene Shop, administrative space for the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, enhancements to the parking lot, modernized operational systems, and theatre technology throughout the the venue.

Gifts made to the capital campaign in its community giving phase will be matched dollar for dollar up to $1.25 million thanks to the matching funds provided by AWS Foundation and the Do it Best Foundation.

  • Rendering of Auditorium.
  • Rendering of Family Arts Center Studio.
  • Rendering of West Exterior of Arts United Center.

“This is the next big thing,” said Nick Talarico, Do it Best Foundation president. “The arts are an integral portion of what makes a community real and this is exactly what the Arts United Center does.”

“Our partners who utilize this facility regularly the Civic Theatre, Fort Wayne Ballet, Fort Wayne Youtheatre, Dance Collective we’re excited about this expansion and renovation is going to allow them to do and how they serve the community,” said Dan Ross, President & CEO, Arts United.

“As Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne prepares for much needed renovations to enhance the accessibility and functionality of the Arts United Center, our home for the past 50 years, Fort Wayne Civic Theatre must prepare to temporarily move out starting June 2024. During the Center’s closure over at least 15 months, we will continue to produce high quality shows at the Embassy Theatre, the Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, and at the Parkview Physicians Group ArtsLab. As we look to the future, we will continue to impact and enrich our community as a regional leader in live theatre experiences through artistic excellence and innovation. This future will be even brighter with a newly expanded, accessible, and modern theatre home—through Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne’s renovation of the Arts United Center. Stay tuned for more information on this much needed transformation and the Civic Theatre’s 2024-2025 On the Road Season!”

Fort Wayne Civic Theatre

A ground breaking will happen in June 2024, and the project is expected to last until Fall 2025.

The theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary season this Sunday. As part of the festivities, Arts United is hosting an open house-style event at the theatre from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., which will highlight the rich history of the building in the community and a closer look at the upcoming renovations. More information about this event can be found here.

For more information about Arts United and how to support the capital campaign, visit this link.