Enthusiastic community support is making a long-held vision come true at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas.
[1]Exterior view of the Education and Rehearsal Wing upon completion.
With a September 2016 groundbreaking ceremony, the center launched a campaign to add an Education and Rehearsal Wing to the already-iconic building. Slated to open in 2018, the 14,000-square-foot addition will allow the center to serve community arts partners, Mason students, and the regional community with expanded programs in new spaces.
“This much-needed new space will allow creativity and collaboration to flourish at the Hylton Center,” said Rick Davis, executive director of the center and dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
“This will be huge for us!” says Claudia Morales, BIS ’07, MA Arts Management ’13, executive director of Youth Orchestras of Prince William. “[The wing] will give us enough space to have real rehearsals for all our groups prior to their stage time. We can’t wait.”
Significant funding for the addition is already in hand. The Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation has provided a $2.5 million gift, supplementing $6 million in public funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia. And supporters Hans and Mary Postma have committed a major planned gift (see page 3).
The fundraising effort also aims to establish a $15 million endowment, support that will ensure the Hylton Center can thrive and serve the community for decades to come.