Beck Center Announces Vision for the Future

In October 2006, during its 75th anniversary year, Beck Center made a commitment to remain in Lakewood. Now, one year later, the Beck Center will embark on a very important project aimed at sustainability and growth for the next 75 years. Details will be revealed at its Annual Meeting on October 29, 2007.

After the Board’s decision to remain in Lakewood, and the completion of a strategic plan, a design committee consisting of Beck Board members, outside experts and design and architect consultants was organized to take an in-depth look at the Beck Center’s physical plant and current programming. Several brainstorming sessions were held and ideas and concepts were developed. These concepts will be shared with community members at the Beck Center’s Annual Meeting on Monday, October 29, 2007 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on the Mackey Main Stage.

The ultimate goals for redevelopment of the property now inhabited by Beck Center are economic growth enhancement, infrastructure improvement, historic preservation, and neighborhood enhancement. Essentially, the Beck Center strives to be a cornerstone and anchor for Lakewood’s Theater and Entertainment District.

“Our goal is to sustain Beck Center as a vital community resource,” said Lucinda Einhouse, President and CEO. “We look forward to dynamic feedback from the public about our ideas and concepts. We would like to explore all of the issues that are critical to our patrons, our students and the neighborhood in which we reside.”

Not only is the Beck Center one of the largest employers in Lakewood, but a recent study found the organization has an economic impact of $10 million every year in Northeast Ohio. Its partnership with the Lakewood City School District to collaborate on the design of curriculum for an Arts and Communications Academy will begin welcoming students into the program in September 2008.

For more information on the Annual Meeting, contact Yvette Hanzel, Director of Marketing & External Affairs at (216) 521-2540 extension 225 or yvette@beckcenter.org.

Beck Center for the Arts is a comprehensive performing arts organization with one of the broadest and deepest arts education curriculums in Northeast Ohio, including classes in dance, music, theater, visual arts, and music and art therapy. The current professional theater season boasts one of the most ambitious schedules in Greater Cleveland with three Cleveland premieres and one World Premiere. For more information, visit www.beckcenter.org.