Frequently Asked Questions
As downtown Vernal experiences a wave of revitalization, a group of passionate citizens—united by a love for the arts and our community—began exploring an exciting idea: a shared home for the arts in the Uintah Basin.
Imagine a vibrant, year-round center where creativity thrives. A space that brings together performers, makers, educators, and audiences of all ages and backgrounds. A flexible venue for visual arts, music, dance, live theater, entertainment and hands-on experiences—accessible to everyone, designed to inspire, unify, elevate, and connect people.
WHY NOW & WHY HERE?
WHY DOES OUR COMMUNITY NEED THIS? · Our region is home to talented artists and supportive audiences. · It will allow for the intersection of performing and visual arts under one roof that supports collaboration and exploration of new creative environments that don’t exist today. · The center will support youth and adults, attract visitors, and spark economic growth. · It will honor local culture and bring in fresh, diverse programming. · Our youth would benefit from a productive, safe, and educational and hands-on creative spaces–especially on Fridays–under the current public school schedule. · We are heavy on recreational and outdoor opportunities; a gap exists in our arts programming and landscape. · The is no such venue available in the Northeastern part of Utah. (Closest is Park City, Provo, SLC, Steamboat Springs, Denver, St. George.) · Why not now? The revitalization of downtown Vernal is a golden opportunity to make it happen.
WHY CAN'T EXISTING VENUES MEET THESE NEEDS? Facilities like VMS and the Conference Center were not designed for the total arts experience. Acoustics, lighting, stage design, sound engineering, sight lines, a dynamic atmosphere, and load in and out capabilities for larger entertainment acts was not the primary focus of our existing arts landscape. Also, a community visual arts studio does not exist for the public nor do “maker spaces” for the creation of the arts. A purpose built, dedicated arts venue will provide the right tools, atmosphere, and staff trained to accommodate all types of arts & entertainment. This type of space currently does not exist in Vernal or the surrounding area.
WHY ARE THE ARTS IMPORTANT TO RURAL COMMUNITIES LIKE OURS? The arts foster connection, identity, and opportunity—bringing people together and enriching everyday life, especially in our geographically isolated areas. This would make it so we can choose to stay and experience more arts and culture under one roof, close to home, year-round.
PURPOSE & VISION
WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED? A purpose-built, year-round arts and culture center that serves as a hub for creativity in the Uintah Basin and surrounding areas. The venue will include spaces for performing arts, visual arts, hands-on education, and cultural and community events.
WHAT WILL THE CENTER INCLUDE? • Performance venue (1,200 seated capacity. Available for internal programming, external programming and event rentals) • Gallery and exhibit space (2,000 – 4,000-square-feet of gallery and exhibit space in a to-be-determined configuration) • Individual studio space (four 250-square-foot studios and two 500-square-foot studios available for rent) • Communal maker space (2,000-square-foot space with operator-run programming, accessible via monthly membership or one-time access pass) • Ceramics studio (1,250-square-foot space with operator-run programming, accessible as an add-on to the communal maker space membership or via standalone access pass) • Silversmith studio (325 square-foot space with operator-run programming, accessible as an add-on to the communal maker space membership or via standalone access pass) • Podcast recording studio (100-square-foot space with operator-run programming, accessible via a digital media monthly membership or one-time access pass) • Print lab (300-square-foot space with operator-run programming, accessible via a digital media monthly membership or one-time access pass) • Music rehearsal rooms (two 64-square-foot spaces, accessible via a monthly music room membership or one-time access pass) • Classroom space (one 800-square foot space available for rent) • 100-seat flexible performance and event room (2,000-square-foot space available for rent for rehearsals, small performances, or meetings)
WHO IS DRIVING THIS EFFORT? This is a citizen driven effort. The Board of Directors include: Robin McClellan, Co-executive Director Ann Stewart: Co-executive Director Casey Monsen, MBA, CFP Mike Harrington, JD
Each generation leaves its mark.
This time-lapse video shows how visionaries built a brighter future for our community. This Performing Arts Center would provide what our
community has been missing.
A new chapter in our town's cultural story is unfolding — and you can help write it.
COMMUNITY, COLLABORATION & ACCESS
WHO CAN USE THE CENTER? Everyone! The center will serve all ages and abilities with inclusive programs, affordable facility rentals, and low-cost events.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE? Live music, comedy, theater productions, art exhibits, cultural festivals, community events, educational workshops, student showcases, private studio recitals, and more.
COULD THIS BECOME A "HOME BASE" FOR LOCAL ARTS GROUPS? Yes. Local groups (private studios as well as professional artists and artists in the making) will be encouraged to use the space regularly for rehearsal and performances. Additionally, it will be available for residencies and long-term use.
WILL THIS COMPETE WITH EXISTING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS? No. This center is designed to complement, collaborate and uplift existing efforts—not replace or compete with them. Our proposed venue is a “public” community center, dedicated to multi-use, flexible spaces, centered around the different genres of the arts. It is not a for-profit endeavor; however, we do foresee it being a fiscally responsible venue. Not in competition but a place to enhance what currently exists and expand the capacity of our own dynamic artists in the basin and surrounding areas, as well as give artists, art lovers, and art explorers a dedicated home / space to design, create, perform, share, and make life better in the basin!
HOW WILL THIS IMPACT LOCAL THEATRE GROUPS? 1. Increased Space, More Access - A dedicated venue means better tech, more room, and year-round access for shows, rehearsals, and set and prop building. 2. More Visibility - Shared calendars, promotions, and newsletters help bring in new audiences—both local and visiting. 3. More Collaboration - Groups can team up on productions, offer classes and camps, and build skills across the community.
LOCATION & DESIGN
WHERE WILL IT BE LOCATED? As the planning process progresses, the project team will conduct an analysis of a handful of sites that are currently under consideration. Public feedback will help guide the final decision and feasibility will ultimately determine the final location, and more information on this site analysis process will be communicated.
WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE? A design team has not yet been selected, and the facility design will be aligned with the selected site, funding, and business plan.
FEASABILITY & FUNDING
WHAT DATA SUPPORTS THE NEED FOR A CENTER? A professional feasibility study was completed by Theatre Projects and Keen Independent Research (2022–2023). The study illustrated the needs of the community and outlined the feasibility of this project for our community. Thank you to donors for the 2022-2023 feasibility study: Ashley Valley Regional Center, Taz & Tammy Murray Foundation, Anonymous, Anonymous, Cindy Williams. Further study related to operational business planning will be conducted in Summer 2025.
WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED COST AND HOW WILL IT BE FUNDED? The total project cost will be developed throughout this planning process. We will explore all and any funding sources and potential partnerships. Funding sources may include any, all, or a combination of: · Public grants · City/county/state resources · Private donations · Community fundraising · Corporate Sponsors · Governmental Arts Initiatives and support · Foundations that support the arts
WHAT IS THE BUSINESS PLAN FOR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY? A detailed sustainability plan is being developed to ensure long-term success through rentals, events, partnerships, and donor support.
ECONOMIC & CULTURAL IMPACT
WHAT ECONOMIC IMPACT WILL THE CENTER HAVE? While an economic impact study would provide specific data, the success of the Small Town Comeback initiative already demonstrates clear revitalization benefits. This initiative has fostered economic growth, enhanced beautification efforts, brought the community together downtown, boosted local businesses, supported tourism, and increased tax revenues for Vernal City and Uintah County. Building on this momentum, an additional Center for the Arts could serve as a valuable extension of these efforts—further enriching the cultural landscape, attracting more visitors, and strengthening the local economy.
HOW IS A NEW VENUE A GOOD INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY? Mental health issues are a concern in every community, however, rural areas often face higher suicide rates, isolation, and high rates of teen pregnancy. A creative space offers a low-cost, powerful way to support well-being, connection, and reduce stigma—no diagnosis needed. Performing Arts - Builds community, reduces loneliness, and helps people process emotions through storytelling. Maker Space - Hands-on activities calm the nervous system and aid trauma recovery. It also builds skills, confidence, and cross-generational connection which studies show lowers stress and depression and increases happiness. A new arts center would enrich our community and promote connection, healing, and resilience.
HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY OVERALL? The center will enrich quality of life, provide creative outlets for all, and offer a space to gather, celebrate, and grow together. It will help with retention of many community members who travel to the Wasatch Front or out of the area for an expanded arts education.
TIMELINE
WHAT IS THE PROJECT TIMELINE (TENTATIVE)? Based on funding availability, the project will continue in the fundraising and planning cycle through the end of 2025. It is anticipated that design team selection and concept design could begin as early as March 2026, with a project facility opening in 2031.
GET INVOLVED
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED OR STAY INFORMED? · Volunteer your time or expertise · Donate or become a sponsor · Attend public meetings and events · Follow us on social media or sign up for updates
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