The new facility would allow those offerings to extend beyond field trips into daily programming, including after-school care with homework support, arts enrichment programs, summer camps, and mentorship opportunities for students interested in creative careers.
“Our youth are our future leaders, and the arts help build the confidence and skills they need to succeed,” said Bill Edwards, founder of the foundation. “Our vision is to create a permanent Community Arts Center where our programs and our impact can grow.”
The initiative comes as Edwards and his organization, Big3 Entertainment Group, prepare to step away from managing the Mahaffey Theater, with that transition set to take effect in early April.
The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts will continue operating its Class Acts programming at the venue while expanding its broader footprint across the region.