Tuesday, October 13, 2009
For 16 years, the Lied Center has been an exceptional provider of art and culture in Lawrence, playing host to nationally recognized performances and noteworthy public figures. The recently announced renovations and additions to the building will make the center an even better destination for dance, music and lectures. Support of the arts in a downtrodden economy should be lauded.
“My goal for the Lied Center has been to touch more people and bring new audiences to the programs and performances,” said Christina Hixson, trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. “This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren.”
Hixson, a 40-year associate of Ernst F. Lied, was left as the sole trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust. A gift of $2.5 million from the trust will allow the Lied Center to expand its lobby, add new offices and construct a new educational pavilion. Another new addition will tell the story of the Lied Center’s namesake.
“One of the most important things we will be adding is display and exhibition areas that will help tell the story of Mr. Lied, who came to KU as a freshman in 1923,” said Tim Van Leer, director of the center. “We’ll also be telling the story of the Lied Foundation Trust, which was established upon his death. His foundation has donated more than $22 million to the University and many other educational, social and civic organizations in the Midwest.”
In addition to telling the story of one of our University’s esteemed alumni, the expanded lobby and education pavilion are worthy additions to the Lied Center.
The larger lobby will allow for better access to the seating area, concession stand and restrooms. It will also cut down on the congestion after performances.
The new education pavilion will allow the Lied Center to continue its nationally recognized arts education program, which extends to children as young as 3 years old. Students in the School of the Arts will be able to learn from traveling performers in special master classes. The education pavilion will also allow audiences a chance to meet performers after their productions.
“I think that new classrooms will help a lot, because usually they just try to do their questioning in the lobby where it gets really hectic after a show,” said Allison Craddick, Leawood senior.
Craddick is a part of the University Dance Company, a group that performs at the center every semester.
The additional office space will also allow the center to continue expanding and adding new jobs in our local community.
The Kansas Board of Regents will discuss approving this plan at their meetings Wednesday and Thursday. They should commend this expansion as it benefits the University.
The center has long been a highlight of the Lawrence and University communities. These new additions will guarantee its future as a first-class provider of arts, culture and enlightenment.
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