Belmont Abbey College officials accept a check totaling $9 million from state representatives to begin construction of a new performing arts center. (Photo provided) BELMONT — The N.C. General Assembly has allotted Belmont Abbey College $9 million toward the cost of constructing a new performing arts center. The funding will enable the college and the surrounding region to enjoy theater, musical and dance performances, and art exhibitions, along with other educational and cultural events in a beautiful, welcoming facility.
“The Performing Arts Center at Belmont Abbey College will greatly enrich the lives of the people in our community,” N.C. Sen. Brad Overcash said in a statement. “I am proud of the $9 million appropriation to create this important community resource.”
State Rep. John Torbett agreed, adding in the statement, “I am extremely proud to be a part of the building of Belmont Abbey College’s success through the building of a world-class cultural destination. This performing arts center will assist in growing the talents of our youth as well as presenting the talents of professional artists. I am especially honored to have played a part with so many others in support of the Abbey.”
The construction of a fully outfitted performance space aims to be a major economic development agent for Gaston County and provide new opportunities for students and the community alike, a statement from Gaston County officials noted.
County Manager Dr. Kim S. Eagle expressed support for the project, stating, “The new performing arts center would directly connect to the county’s adopted strategic plan by supporting two of our own strategic focus areas: economic development and planned growth, and recreational, cultural, and life-long learning opportunities. Taken together, our community strategic plans and visions would directly benefit from the addition of this community asset and would advance our goals to provide a warm and welcoming community that is the premier destination to live, work, and play in the Charlotte region.”
The performing arts center is part of Belmont Abbey College’s $100 million capital campaign that launched earlier this year. As part of the unprecedented “Made True” campaign, the college hopes to secure additional philanthropic support from alumni, parents and the broader community for the new performing arts center on campus.
Belmont Abbey College President Dr. Bill Thierfelder said in a statement, “This project helps realize the college’s mission to bring the true, the good and the beautiful to as many people as possible and thereby culturally enriching the state of North Carolina and beyond.”
A Community Leaders’ Advisory Committee will be developed to collect input from the college’s constituents and others in the community and to make recommendations to the college about the programming and design of the performing arts center, the statement said.
— Catholic News Herald
How to give
At www.madetrue.bac.edu: Get more information and learn how to support Belmont Abbey College’s historic “Made True” campaign.