Walton Arts Center announced a $500,000 gift from General Mills. This gift is designated for the Investing in our Future: The Expansion of Walton Arts Center, Walton Arts Center’s $23 million campaign to add 30,000 sq ft of space, which includes a new and expanded atrium lobby that connects to Dickson St, significant renovations and expansion of Starr Theater, increased space for back of the house technical and theatrical equipment, and new administrative offices.

The goal is to complete the Dickson St renovation by fall of 2016. Heavy construction of the main lobby and Starr Theater will occur during the off-peak summer months of 2015 and 2016 to minimize the impact on regular programming and ensure the arts center has a full season.

General Mills has been a supporter of the Walton Arts Center since 2003. Their sponsorship has focused on educational programming, concerts, and capital projects that benefit and strengthen our local communities. This gift will support Walton Arts Center by renaming the box office to the General Mills Box Office.

“General Mills has been a long-time sponsor of both Walton Arts Center and the Wal-Mart AMP. Their partnership and support has helped fulfill our mission of bringing great performing artists and entertainers from all over the world to the region,” said Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center. “The new General Mills box office will welcome our patrons attending the renovated Fayetteville campus. Thanks to this very generous gift, General Mills and Walton Arts Center will continue collaborating to create a world class venue where people of all ages can enjoy great entertainment and increasing their access to the arts.”

“Much like our mission of “Nourishing Lives”, Walton Arts Center is working to nourish the lives of the community by bringing arts and culture to our area,” said Adam Dill, vice president of sales for General Mills. “We are proud to support the expansion efforts and investing in the future of the Walton Arts Center with this contribution. We look forward to seeing the completion of the renovations in fall of 2016.”

Private support is key to leveraging the generosity of General Mills, the City of Fayetteville and its residents who voted in support of the Yes! Yes! Yes! campaign. Walton Arts Center is excited about what the future holds and invites the community to join us as we plan for the future.

For related articles, news, and equipment reviews, visit our Equipment Zones

Click here for information about the upcoming Powder & Bulk Solids Canada conference/exhibition