VSU officially breaks ground on new performing arts center
Published 4:00 pm Monday, October 28, 2024
City leaders, community members, and project stakeholders gathered alongside Valdosta's mascot, Blaze, to break ground at the Performing Arts Center. (Caison Kirkland/The Valdosta Daily Times)
VSU made sure the groundbreaking was an exciting event people would remember. (Caison Kirkland/The Valdosta Daily Times)
Dean Blake Pearce of VSU Academic Affairs and University Advancement walked attendees through the long process it took to make the days event a reality. (Caison Kirkland/The Valdosta Daily Times)
VSU President Richard Carvajal excited attendees and talked about the future impact of the facility. (Caison Kirkland/The Valdosta Daily Times)
Dr. Sonny Perdue of the University System of Georgia commended the resilience of the community leading up to the groundbreaking ceremony. (Caison Kirkland/The Valdosta Daily Times)
VALDOSTA— Valdosta State University celebrated the official groundbreaking of its new Performing Arts Center on Thursday. University officials emphasize that the new center fulfills a longstanding vision to address essential needs within the university’s arts programs.
The existing facilities, constructed in 1969, fall short of meeting the needs of the contemporary art program due to outdated structures and undersized spaces, especially in the areas of theater, music, and dance. The new facility aims to enhance fine arts learning environments in all areas by creating a space where students and faculty can better develop their talents and execute performances more effectively, VSU officials said.
Ian Anderson, associate professor of theatre voice and acting, acknowledged the enduring support that has brought the university to this day. He expressed the excitement shared by students and faculty alike, calling the new facility “an artistic beacon for all of South Georgia” and a space that will cultivate community engagement and enrich the region’s cultural landscape.
The Performing Arts Center will offer students professional-grade resources, including a 375-seat proscenium theater complete with a fly loft, wings, and an orchestra pit. The new building will also feature a black box theater, rehearsal areas, scene and costume shops, dressing rooms, and office spaces, meeting the needs of VSU’s Theater and Dance departments. The center will also host the Peach State Summer Theatre.
Dean Blake Pearce of VSU Academic Affairs and University Advancement highlighted the center’s journey from concept to reality, emphasizing the various obstacles they had to overcome, such as COVID-19 and unexpected inflation costs. Initial funding came through state bond sales totaling $13.7 million. Amid pandemic-driven delays, VSU contributed an additional $17.8 million to bring the project to fruition.
VSU President Richard Carvajal praised the facility’s long-term potential, describing it as a key driver for student opportunity and community enrichment. The center’s location will offer ample parking and high visibility on Ashley Street, ensuring it is accessible for students and the Valdosta community. Carvajal also highlighted the center’s economic potential, envisioning it as a destination for tourists who will contribute to local businesses and attractions.
Chancellor Dr. Sonny Perdue of the University System of Georgia equated the facility to a phoenix — a powerful symbol of resilience rising from past challenges. He noted that Valdosta State University has always had an impactful presence, not just in Lowndes County but also across all of South Georgia, fostering an envied artistic reputation and educational excellence, even in less modern facilities.
Looking ahead, he expressed excitement about the opportunities the new theater would provide for students in arts and beyond, underscoring that the heart of any university is its students. Perdue extended his gratitude to the legislators, donors, and community members who have all supported this project, making a lasting impact for generations of students to come.
In closing, he praised the community for their patience during the time it took to get to the day’s celebration.
“Good things come to those who wait. You all have waited, right? And good things are coming,” he said.
