December update

“WHY THE DO WE NEED A BUILDING?”

The Adams County Arts Council has a long history of bringing the arts to more than 10,000 youth each year in classrooms around the county, bringing public events to more than 50,000 residents in neighborhoods, parks and venues around town, and exhibiting award winning visual arts in a perfectly suitable gallery on the Gettysburg College Campus. So, why does it need to raise $1.1 million to establish an arts education center?

Because this is a critical time for our community
 

• This building will provide a safety net to current arts program cuts in our schools. Since 2001-2002, the time an average American child spends on arts education in school has dropped by thirty-five percent (35%). Further loss due to budget cuts, emphasis on testing, and the local freeze on hiring new arts teachers threatens the very existence of arts education for our youth. This building will provide instruction in music, dance, theater and the visual arts to ensure a place for students to discover and excel in the arts.
   

• This building will bring new life and attention to Adams County. Gettysburg’s Third Ward now has Pennsylvania’s attention and resources to improve this beleaguered historically significant neighborhood. ACAC’s partnership with the Elm Street Project comes just at the right time to bring additional resources for this project. The center will be the cornerstone of efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more welcoming site for visitors and residents alike. In return, ACAC receives additional resources and talents to bring new participation in the arts.
   

• This building will provide economic stimulus at a time when we need it most. This project will not only provide short term work for local tradesmen, but long term teaching jobs and opportunities for local artists to sell their work. In addition, we expect Adams County will follow national trends to realize increased financial benefit for local businesses from increased arts activities.
   

Because scarce resources are available and provide a rare opportunity

• Low interest and no interest loans are available now. The US Dept. of Agriculture has granted ACAC a very coveted guarantee to its commercial loan. Additional funding is available at no interest through another community funding source. These are valuable sources, providing a secure cash flow to ensure timely and cost contained renovation while fundraising efforts are completed.
   

• The right facility is available at a reasonable cost. This 10,000 sq. ft. building on S. Washington Street has features of space, light and accessibility not readily found in this centrally located vicinity. In addition, the selling price was generously reduced by the seller. The building will easily serve ACAC’s arts education and administrative needs but will also allow room for growth and a wide range of community uses.
   

• The architectural and contracting talents are available during this lull in building projects. Architect Gary Schaffer brings experience and knowledge of local building requirements. His work with local skilled tradesmen brings the highest quality to the project while providing new opportunity to local businesses.

Because Adams County needs it

• Our aging community needs arts too. Studies show that engagement in the arts has crucial benefits for the aging. Minds benefit from learning an instrument, coordination benefits from learning new movement, and intergenerational activities helps us all feel more connected. Daytime classes and community events in this fully accessible building will provide just such opportunities.
   

• Our pre-K youth need a positive introduction to learning before they enter school. Special arts and movement classes will provide important learning tools to help children prepare for their academic career. Parents and caregivers will have a valuable resource to help build this foundation and these young learners will incorporate the arts in their development.
   

• At-risk youth need options. ACAC’s afterschool programs will provide an option to risky behavior by providing an inviting and positive atmosphere for these developing minds. These youth will gain creative skills that will help them later in the workplace and may just develop unique talents into serious careers in the arts.
   

• The region needs a community resource for all residents. Our community is changing and with this change brings new challenges. To maintain a safe, healthy and caring atmosphere in Adams County everyone needs to feel like they belong. The arts are a wonderful resource that knows no boundaries of age, language, race or economic status.

This center is more than a building. It is a place to bring community together, to provide a secure home for the arts and to breathe new life into Adams County. In order for Adams County Arts Council to continue to meet the needs of Adams County residents, it needs a home. It is unrealistic to think that ACAC can meet the current and future needs of the county with its current cramped office space and a classroom that is smaller than many dining rooms. There is no place for volunteers, no place for staff, no place for students, and no place for inspiration!

This home is a visible reminder that Adams County values the arts as key to community development. It recognizes that the arts are vital to an educated workforce, a connected community and a healthy economy. This building is more than a structure – it is a promise. Your investment in this building will help make Adams County a better place today and will help establish a valuable and lasting legacy. Please support it.