You’re Invited to the New Spire Stages Groundbreaking
New Spire Arts is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking ceremony for New Spire Stages, a performing arts center located at 15 W Patrick Street on Wednesday, January 17th at 4:00 pm. The event will feature live performances, the reveal of theater models designed by Ziger/Snead, and kick off the construction of a dynamic theater and community space in Frederick’s theater district.
New Spire Arts received a catalyzing grant from the Ausherman Family Foundation in response to a long-time community need for a cultural hub in downtown Frederick with space for artists to create and present performing arts projects. New Spire Arts engaged AMS Planning & Research, one of the nation’s leading experts on developing intentional artist communities, to conduct an in depth strategic plan. AMS Planning & Research outlined the strategic plan for New Spire Arts’ vision and mission based on community feedback and was careful not to duplicate or compete with existing organizations. The goal of New Spire Arts is to lift all artists and arts organizations through its programming, partnerships, and providing a resource to the community.
As part of the strategic planning process, New Spire Arts and AMS Planning & Research worked closely with the Catherine French Group, a national executive recruitment firm, to conduct a nationwide search to identify a candidate to lead New Spire Arts. Following the extensive national search, Daniel Phoenix Singh, a DC based dancer and arts leader, was selected to lead New Spire Arts and implement the new strategic plan. Daniel brings a balanced leadership skill set to serve Frederick and New Spire Arts including an MBA and MFA in dance. He is excited to be working with New Spire Arts and will be announcing the inaugural 2018-2019 performing season in Spring 2018.
In partnership with Ausherman Development, New Spire Arts identified Ziger/Snead, the leading theater construction firm, for the design of the New Spire Stages performance venue. Following a survey of regional theaters and an assessment of community needs, Ziger/Snead designed a flexible theater space that will be suitable for an array of performing artists ranging from music, theater, dance, comedy, to family theater. An opening gala weekend is scheduled for October 2018. Singh will conduct a series of town hall meetings to solicit community input for the programming options. “New Spire Arts looks forward to your continued support and engagement as we launch our first season of performances” said Singh.
A one-million-dollar capital campaign is currently underway for the completion of New Spire Stages. To date, the project has received $600,000 from the Maryland state tax credit program for its innovative mission. In addition, New Spire Arts is grateful for the generous support from PNC Bank and the Randall Family.
