What you need to know?
Phase 2 of the art center broke ground in September with the partial demolition of a former retail center at Fuqua Street and Blueridge Road, Edison Arts Foundation founder Charity Carter said.
Community Impact previously reported Phase 2 brings construction on the center’s main hubs, including:
- A performing arts theater with over 400 seats
- A black box theater with 165 seats
- Dance studio spaces
- An after-school youth center with computer labs
The center’s first elements will open in September, beginning with the transitions of the Edison Art Foundation’s after-school program to the new after-school youth center space, and releasing the leased spaces to food and business tenants, Carter said.
The background
The Edison Cultural Art Center project began in 2017 with the Edison Arts Foundation’s purchase of 12.5 acres at 7100 W. Fuqua St., Houston, with the goal to revitalize the vacant shopping center, Carter said.
Phase 1 broke ground in 2019 for construction of the Edison Lofts, bringing a 126-unit affordable multifamily housing complex that was completed in fall 2021.
About the program
The Edison Arts Foundation nonprofit was established in 2013 by Carter to develop cultural and performing arts programs for children and adults throughout the community, according to the website.
Offering a number of programs for all ages, the foundation offers programs, including:
- ANDance Jr. Company
- Afterschool Arts Academy
- Summer Theatre Arts Repertory
- Career Readiness & Education Works Program
Keep in mind
The organization has raised over $23 million for the center but still needs about $8 million to reach the $31 million goal, which has gone up due to construction issues and inflation, Carter said.
“We’re always fundraising even though we have our capital campaign because we still have to maintain our current programming and plan for our future programming,” Carter said.
There are still sponsorship opportunities for the space, including pavers, theater seats and spaces within the center, she said. The foundation is also hosting its fifth annual Tutus & Tuxes Fundraising Gala on April 27, which will help to fund the organization’s expansion and programs.
