Fresno Pacific unveils its new arts and culture center
The center will be used by students and faculty as well as residents of the surrounding community.
Local trustees and leaders gathered for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the new Warkentine Culture and Arts Center.
“Our students had to seek other venues all over the city to perform and showcase their talents. Now they have one of the best venues in Fresno,” said FPU vice president for advancement.
The new 26,000 square foot center includes several rooms that can be used as art galleries or for smaller events, as well as a 400-seat main theater stage for concerts and other productions.
It was designed with the community in mind – allowing elementary or junior high school students to host performances there as well.
City of Fresno leaders applaud the university’s vision to complete this project while addressing a huge need in the surrounding southeast Fresno neighborhood.
“The culture and arts of Warkentine represent the rich diversity and are an invitation to the community from outside to come and be part of this wonderful place – something we value as administration is diversity and community”, said Deputy Mayor Matthew Grundy.
The $15 million construction project was funded entirely by private donations, giving students a place on campus they can call their own.
“I just think that space was so needed because our students who are in the art program are vast. There are a lot of music students, choir students and they’ve never had that space, so being able to giving this away is super amazing,” student Emily Munoz said.
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