Construction on the new Arkansas Arts Center (AAC) is going according to plan, local leaders said today (Sept. 20).
During the AAC’ annual meeting – held virtually – local stakeholders and officials discussed the challenging circumstances of the past year and the progress made on the AAC construction and capital campaign.
“Today’s Annual Meeting celebrates a year unlike any other,” AAC executive director Victoria Ramirez said in a statement. “It was a year of unexpected challenges and a year that looks to the future. But, as we plan for the future, we always consider the past and our institution’s legacy in our community and state. The truth is – as forward as we might be looking – it is our history and traditions that brought us this point.”
Construction on the new museum commenced on Oct. 1, 2019. Work has continued during the pandemic, although the museum has pivoted its cultural offerings to a virtual format in the wake of the public health emergency.
Harriet Stephens, the building committee chair and capital campaign co-chair, told viewers that construction on the MacArthur Park location remains on schedule despite the pandemic. In addition, she said the project is on budget.
She also addressed the AAC’s capital campaign, which has a goal of $128 million. To date, the campaign has raised $122.7 million, or approximately 95.96 percent of the goal.
“The new Arts Center is more than a building,” Harriet Stephens said. “It is an investment in the quality of life of everyone in Little Rock. When we open, the Arts Center will be an economic driver that promotes tourism and raises the profile of our city.”
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