The ArtsCenter and Kidzu Children’s Museum invites the public to attend two public information meetings: For downtown Carrboro business owners Tuesday, January 13 and the general public Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 5:30-7:00pm at the ArtsCenter, 300-G East Main Street, Carrboro NC to learn about and provide feedback for the proposed development and construction of an envisioned ‘Carrboro Arts and Innovation Center’ which wouldhouse the two nonprofit arts and education organizations under one roof.
This proposed collaborative economic development project has developed a proposal for the Town of Carrboro to construct, own and lease what is conceptually called the “Carrboro Arts and Innovation Center” which will come before the next Town of Carrboro as a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 20 at 7:30pm for public comment and input.
Carrboro Arts and Innovation Center Background
Plans are to locate the Center at the intersection of Main Street/Weaver Street and Roberson Street in downtown Carrboro, this facility will become the new home of The ArtsCenter and Kidzu Children’s Museum. As proposed, this 55,000 square foot four-story project will include arts education learning environments, children’s museum, performances and rehearsal spaces for the area’s many performing arts organizations. As currently rendered, the new project would include outdoor learning environments including an in-grade amphitheater, a rooftop garden and play area and community gathering spaces.
The partnership is committed to working with the Town of Carrboro to fund this project with new economic development and private funds that do not rely on Carrboro’s existing operating budget—a public/private partnership that provides positive economic and outreach impact as a community center for people of all ages.
The public is invited to attend the Carrboro Board of Alderman public hearing at 7:30pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 West Main Street, Carrboro NC to obtain input from Carrboro residents, business and property owners.
About Kidzu Children’s Museum
Dedicated to inspiring children and the adults in their lives to learn through creative play, Kidzu is a nonprofit children’s museum founded in 2006 and currently located at University Mall in Chapel Hill NC. Kidzu targets children 0-8 and their adults, schools and cultural groups with exhibits, programs, workshops, camps and parent/teacher resources to support early child development in an informal learning setting.
About The ArtsCenter
The ArtsCenter educates and inspires an artistic and educational environment with opportunities, inspiration and tools for people of all ages and skill levels to participate in the arts. Founded in 1974, The ArtsCenter is a nonprofit community gathering place offering arts classes for adults and youth, summer camps, performances and concerts, artist residencies, theater productions, and gallery exhibits.
A public hearing on the plan is scheduled for 7:30 on January 20 before the Carrboro Board of Aldermen. You can also submit comments to town leaders online here.