In 1998, the Suffolk High School Task Force was created by Mayor Dana Dickens and Suffolk City Council to evaluate a plan for the adaptive-reuse of Suffolk High School, circa 1922. It was determined that a cultural arts center would provide the greatest benefit for the entire greater Suffolk community, as well as have a positive impact on economic development.
Fundraising strategies were planned, and community support was overwhelming as Phase I of the Capital Campaign was launched in September, 2001. Staff was hired to provide support, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts Foundation Board was appointed, and the original Task Force was dissolved. As of November 2004 in excess of $3.9 million has been raised from private gifts and pledges, and the City of Suffolk has allocated $4.8 million, with an additional $2.0 million allocation proposed in the 2005 CIP budget. Phase II Fundraising efforts, involving individuals, corporations and foundations, are ongoing. Phase III of the Capital Campaign, has begun.
Renovation began on August 25, 2004. If all goes as planned, Suffolk will welcome its first major cultural arts center by early 2006!
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