The Town of Carrboro is discussing the possibility of The ArtsCenter relocating to 203 S. Greensboro Street as part of a joint project that would include town offices.
The location would include performance spaces, studios and classrooms to serve and educate the creative community in Carrboro.
“While there are many decisions still to be made, we are enthusiastic about working with the Town of Carrboro to provide more arts opportunities to more citizens,” said Daniel Mayer, executive director of The ArtsCenter.
The ArtsCenter is a non-profit founded in 1974 that seeks to inspire creativity and enrich the community through art. It is also the largest employer of artists in Orange County.
The 203 S. Greensboro St. site is also a possible home for Orange County’s new Southern Branch Library. The county and the town have been working together on a development agreement that would outline the construction and design of the new building.
Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle said the town wants the library project to continue to move forward, but that it is also important to keep The ArtsCenter in mind as it looks to relocate.
“If there were some way to include The ArtsCenter as part of this building, there might be some really nice synergy there with those groups being close to each other,” Lavelle said. “We’d all like to keep The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, and this represents a window where it may work out.”
Lavelle said she believes The ArtsCenter wants to relocate because its current structure is aging.
She said discussion regarding a change in location for The ArtsCenter was last brought up about a year ago after multiple non-profit organizations proposed the construction of a new performing arts center. However, the plan was unable to gather traction with the town or community members.
Lavelle said talks between the town and The ArtsCenter will continue, but she said she is hopeful the development agreement between the town and county regarding the library will be finalized in the coming months.
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