FAYETTEVILLE — The Walton Arts Center’s upcoming expansion and renovation project got a big financial boost Tuesday.
Arts center officials announced they’ve been awarded a $5 million challenge grant from the Walton Family Foundation.
The Fayetteville City Council is also scheduled to formally commit $6.3 million in hotel, motel and restaurant tax-backed bonds to the arts center’s expansion project at a 5:30 p.m. meeting.
"We are honored to receive a $5 million challenge grant from the Walton Family Foundation,” Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center, said in a news release. "The Walton Family Foundation has been a generous supporter of the Walton Arts Center since the beginning. The Foundation’s participation in this capital campaign represents a strong vote of confidence in our future in Fayetteville, and the future of the arts in Northwest Arkansas."
The $23 million undertaking includes a larger lobby, expanded Starr Theater, more backstage space and new administrative offices. Construction is expected to begin in July.