Visual and Performing Arts Centers Emerge on Campuses Across California

Article in Affinity, an online magazine for California Community Colleges, highlighting new art centers at community colleges and the important role they play in our communities. A couple photographs of the Chaffey College Center for the Arts are included.

A few passages from the article by Sheng Lor and John Pastor.

With budget cuts still in effect across California, it comes as a beacon of light that many visual and performing arts centers have successfully been built or renovated within the past few years at community college campuses statewide. New arts facilities have emerged across the state backed primarily by local bond money.

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The support for new and improved cultural centers on community college campuses has never been more evident. Despite severe state budget cuts to the education sector, local residents, businesses, community leaders, art patrons, and many others continue to support the planning and construction of new arts facilities by passing local bonds and putting forth donations. They see the positive economic, educational, and cultural impact that these centers could have on their communities now and for decades to come and understand the crucial role that advanced cultural centers have on the education and preparation of youth today for the future.

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It is crucial that regional cultural centers continue to receive support and grow across California. They have power to transform the life of a community, bringing people from the region, from across the state, and from abroad together in one place. They offer the opportunity for students and community members to engage in the arts in ways they might not have otherwise. As Pier states, "Community colleges, a lot of it, is about lifelong learning; and the arts is certainly one area where that lifelong learning experience can happen."