The Carrboro Board of Aldermen should do all it can to permit the proposed building of a new ArtsCenter facility. The planned building, designed by architect Philip Szostak and planned out by The ArtsCenter Board of Directors, would be beneficial to Carrboro and turn the town into a bigger hub for cultural activity.
Szostak also designed the Durham Performing Arts Center in downtown Durham, and did it without the use of general tax dollars. The proposal would finance the new building in the same way — sans general tax dollars.
The new ArtsCenter will be a significant upgrade from the current ArtsCenter that can be easily overlooked because of its understated location. The new proposed building will create a sense of excitement among residents, as was the case with DPAC. The plan calls for large windows that will allow people passing by to see what’s inside, a variation from the current ArtsCenter layout.
Additionally, the center will also be home to The Foundry, which would serve as a business incubator space for startups. The incubator space also could serve as a place for people to take various classes about things ranging from theatre to 3-D printing technology.
The ArtsCenter has the potential to have an immensely positive impact on Carrboro and surrounding area. It would serve as a cultural and economic hub that will benefit students, artists and local residents. The ArtsCenter board has used the last three years to plan out ideas for the proposal, and continues to do so at public monthly meetings. By approving this proposal, the Board of Aldermen would be doing a great service to its residents, and a great service to the local economy.
