Dear Friends,

2024 has been an exciting year of advancement for Newport Performing Arts Center and we are happy to share this update on the project’s continued progress. Energy has been focused on the Capital Campaign to finish the theater, open the building to audiences for year-round events and performances which, in turn, will allow NPAC to fulfill its mission to…

“…provide the greater Newport area with a unique, sustainable community asset that will provide a dynamic center for culture, the arts, education, and civic interaction while contributing to the positive economic and cultural well-being of our city and region.”

NPAC’s Board of Directors and campaign team have been focused on what it will take to create a clear path to viability for this critical project for Newport.  After numerous discussions with many of our supporters, we realized that a key part of this path included a re-assessment of the construction budget. Earlier this year, NPAC worked with its general contractor, Farrar & Associates, to assist in re-crafting our plan.  After a value engineering exercise, a new estimate was created that would reduce the overall construction costs to roughly $10 million without sacrificing the audience and performer experience.

Great attention was made to balancing the restoration needs of the historic building while at the same time, setting realistic goals for opening and operating the theater. The new budget allows the project flexibility to complete auxiliary features in future phases so the theater can open to the public without delay.

Our goal is to secure this funding in early 2025 and launch a process for the start of construction. As you read this, the Campaign Team is working with several parties to close this fundraising goal, and we look forward to sharing updates on our progress as arrangements are finalized.

This campaign progress has been realized because of a dedicated team of volunteer Board of Directors supported by a grant from the Doris Duke Foundation, our generous Annual Fund donors, and NPAC’s Managing Director, Melissa Caldwell Quinn. Your continued support of NPAC’s Annual Fund has been paramount to helping the organization maintain this integral team and manage its annual operating expenses. The ongoing success of this appeal will provide NPAC with a springboard to also launch the growth of its professional staff and programming as we approach opening night.

To donate to this valuable effort, please CLICK HERE for more information. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. We are excited for 2025 and the next steps of preparing the building for the community to enjoy!

Gratefully,

Melissa Caldwell Quinn
NPAC Managing Director