With money already appropriated for a Studio Arts building, members of the Virginia 2020 Fine and Performing Arts Commission are finally seeing the dream of an Arts Precinct become a reality.
A state grant of $9 million begins a 20-year project that will culminate in an "an Arts Lawn," according to Lawrence Goedde, Chairman of the Art Department and member of the Commission.
But funding for the Studio Art building is just the beginning, signifying the first sign of a developing Arts Precinct.
The Arts Precinct will include approximately nine buildings located on Carr's Hill, spanning the same length as the Lawn.
These buildings will accommodate, but are not limited to, the departments of Architecture, Art History, Studio Art, Art, Drama, Music, the Media Studies Program and a new Arts Library.
Funding for the Arts Precinct has been projected at $200 million. Coming up with the necessary funds will take time, but the $9 million from the state encourages members of the Commission.
"It's a lot easier to raise money if you can show people something," said Dean Dass, Former Chairman of Studio Art.
Laurie Kelsh, chief of staff to University President John T. Casteen III, said she hopes that in addition to state money, alumni of the University will step forward and contribute to the efforts of the Virginia 2020 Fine and Performing Arts Commission.
This weekend, one group of young alumni from the graduating classes of 1970 to 1980 will gather in Charlottesville to discuss fundraising possibilities for the 2020 Commission and may aid in the funding of the Arts Precinct, Kelsh said.
The Arts Precinct will make it "much easier for the arts to interact," according to Goedde.
With space for various departments now extending from Old Cabell Hall to Fayerweather Hall, students and professors alike find it difficult to work together.
Along with this problem of location is the overwhelming need for more space in many of the departments.
"We have faculty and offices in trailers," Goedde said.
Music Department Chairwoman Judith Shatin said many students must practice in a house on Jefferson Park Avenue where acoustics are less than adequate.
Although many of the University's fine and performing arts departments have faced similar problems, the arts programs have continued to expand.
"The arts have been growing, but the facilities haven't been able to catch up with the growth," Shatin said.
With state funding, alumni support and University interest, the completion of an Arts Precinct lies in the near future.
"This project began as a thought of President Casteen and now it's all finally coming together," Commission Chairman Robert Chapel said.
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