Arts of Southern Kentucky (ASK) will soon undergo a large expansion to support the growing public performance schedule and educational programs at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC).
The organization is receiving an $8.5 million appropriation from the Commonwealth of Kentucky to create a two-story addition to SKyPAC.
More Space, More Programs
The new square footage will house a set workshop for the Ramsey Theatre Company and add rehearsal spaces, storage, and administrative offices.
Over the last two years Arts of Southern Kentucky has increased the number of public performances, expanded educational programs, and created a Broadway theatre company.
“We are currently using every square inch of space when we prepare for a Ramsey Theatre Company or BG OnStage production – and there are now six of these each season,” said Arts of Southern Kentucky President & CEO, Jeffrey Reed. “We estimate we are losing at least $750,000 in potential rental revenue because space isn’t available to the public. We have also had to rent space off campus to support our growth.”
Local And State Support
Reed said that many people are responsible for obtaining the appropriation, including Sen. Mike Wilson, Sen. David Givens, and Sen. Max Wise who sponsored the bill in the Senate.
Rep. Michael Meredith, Rep. Kevin Jackson, Rep. Robert Duvall, and Rep. Shawn McPherson supported the bill in the House.
“We are so fortunate in our community to enjoy a beautiful arts center, a professional orchestra, an emerging theatre company, and a dynamic youth program,” said Arts of Southern Kentucky Board Chair, Gary Ransdell. “This new building will allow all of those programs to flourish.”
Richie Sanders served as ASK’s representative in Frankfort.
Locally, former Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon, ASK board member and former House Speaker Jody Richards, and ASK chair Gary Ransdell headed the effort on behalf of Arts of Southern Kentucky.
The expansion, which will be built on County-owned land adjacent to the main building, received support from Judge-Executive Doug Gorman.
“This was a group effort,” said Reed. “South central Kentucky is fortunate to have so many people who believe in the power of the arts to change lives and transform communities. Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for what they’ve done.”
About SKyPAC
In 2020, with the assistance of the Warren County Fiscal Court and Judge Michael O. Buchanon, Orchestra Kentucky assumed management of SKyPAC.
The new organization, which also includes BG OnStage and the Ramsey Theatre Company, became known as Arts of Southern Kentucky, and is led administratively and artistically by Jeffrey Reed.
SKyPAC is a premier performing arts venue located in downtown Bowling Green, KY. The facility includes the Rita and Jim Scott Concert Hall, a 1,700-seat state-of-the-art auditorium; the Goodwin Gallery, the primary art exhibition space; the Renshaw Education Center which houses the Carol Wedge Studio Theater – a flexible 2,600 sq. ft. space for intimate productions and gatherings; several multi-functional rehearsal halls/classrooms; and the Denny and Carol Wedge Children’s Art Gallery.
For more information, visit theskypac.com.
