HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-30 - AGENDA REPORTS - PERFORMING ARTS CENTER NAMING (2)4gr 3
SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS
Board of Trustees Meeting 5/30/07
AGENDA
CATEGORY JOINT MEETING
ITEMMTLE Approval by the Santa Clarita Community College District Q ACTIONICONSENT
Board of Trustees to Add "Santa Clarita" to the Name of the QX ACTION
College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center Q INFORMATION
0 DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS:
Beginning in 1969 when the Santa Clarita District was formed, College of the Canyons' founders planned for the college
to have three main areas of focus: academic transfer, technology and the arts. A performing arts center was an integral
part of the college district's original plans and remained so for more than 30 years despite a lack of state support to fund
the project.
After 11 years of consistent advocacy and strategy development, funding for the facility was finally secured from the state
of California in 1999. Current City Council members who were on the council at that time, Laurene Weste, Frank Ferry
and Bob Kellar, were supportive of the vision to add additional seating capacity so that the center could become a
community resource as well. They supported a partnership between the college and the City of Santa Clarita which
provided an additional $2.4 million that allowed for an expansion of seating over the initial plans funded by the state.
Now, the $18.3 -million College of the Canyons Performing Arts facility boasts a spectacular proscenium theater with a
state-of-the-art sound system and more than 900 seats, as well as an experimental "black box" theater. The center
features Instructional, community and professional entertainment and informational programs. Ground was broken in
December 2001. The facility was completed in the summer of 2004, with a gala opening and ribbon cutting hosted by the
College on October 15, 2004.
Starting with the opening season, the Performing Arts Center has emerged as a focal point for both City and College arts
and entertainment and a location for hosting special events. To recognize the Center's key role in the support of the arts
in Santa Clarita, as well as to establish the Performing Arts Center as a destination venue, it is now proposed to add
"Santa Clarita" to the name of the Performing Arts Center. If approved, the official name will be the Santa Clarita
Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons.
This change will enhance the marketing of the Center, will attract a wider base of patrons, and will enhance the area and
City's reputation as a supporter of the arts. It is expected the change will have a positive impact on the continuing
economic activity and success of the region. Finally, adding "Santa Clarita" to the name of the Center does not preclude
naming opportunities for future donors.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Not Applicable.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Move approval by the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees to add "Santa Clarita" to the Name of
the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center to be renamed the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of
the Canyons.
Submitted by:
Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook
Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook
Superintendent -President
Recommended by:
Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook
2.3, Page 1
May 30, 2007