Rendering of the Arts United Center. Photo courtesy of Arts United.
Press release
FORT WAYNE – Mayor Sharon Tucker joined Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne in a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, August 7, to mark the expansion and modernization of the Arts United Center.
“I am pleased that the improvements to the Arts United Center will mean more people can enjoy the arts – whether creating art or engaging with it,” said Mayor Sharon Tucker. “As Fort Wayne continues to grow, it is reassuring to know that we are also expanding our arts offerings and continuing to improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.”
“This groundbreaking is a milestone not only for Arts Campus Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne’s state and city recognized cultural district, but for the entire community,” said Dan Ross, president and CEO of Arts United. “The Arts United Center has been our community’s theater for five decades and we are preserving this important history. It will continue to serve future generations when it is fully operational and accessible.”
Designed by architect Louis I. Kahn, the Arts United Center has been a staple in the community since its opening in 1973. The expansion and modernization project was initiated after an eight-year planning process that began with a comprehensive assessment of the venue’s lack of accessibility, evolving theater technology needs, and the functional requirements of resident and presenting organizations, including Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, Fort Wayne Ballet, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and Fort Wayne Youtheatre.
The Arts United Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, is undergoing a nearly $40 million revitalization and will receive a newly constructed, barrier-free lobby for community members. Construction is expected to take eighteen months, with a planned reopening date of fall 2025 so that resident organizations can resume their events and programs.
The capital campaign for this project, A Soaring Vision, has raised funds through a private and public partnership with the community. Arts United announced the community giving phase of the capital campaign in October 2023 and today announced the Sponsor a Seat campaign.
For more information about the capital campaign and the project, visit the website.
