FUNDING
The efforts to build and develop the center for the arts are being steered by a Vernal citizens’ group that formed a non-profit 501(c)(3).
The High Desert Center for the Arts is self-funded and operated by a team of dedicated volunteers. Over $90,000 has been raised to get us through the preliminary phases of development, including research, conceptualization, and business planning.
Phases
The process for creating the
Center for the Arts has three phases:
PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
(Current Phase)
Learn more about our current phase below:
PHASE 1
Research & Development
(Current Phase)
COMPLETE
Preliminary Research & Visioning · Needs Assessment · Conduct surveys, focus groups, and public forums · Identify existing gaps in community arts/performance facilities · Determine types of performances and cultural activities desired · Stakeholder Identification & Engagement · Engage community members, artists, local government, schools, and nonprofits · Form a steering committee or advisory board · Market & Demographic Research · Analyze community demographics, cultural trends, and potential audience size · Review similar projects in comparable regions (case studies) · Vision & Objectives · Development · Define the mission, purpose, and long-term goals of the center · Determine guiding values (e.g., inclusivity, sustainability, accessibility)
COMPLETE
Feasibility Study & Concept Development · Site Analysis & Selection · Identify potential locations · Evaluate zoning, accessibility, environmental impact, and neighborhood compatibility · Programmatic Planning · Define space requirements (e.g., main stage, black box, rehearsal rooms, galleries, classrooms) · Plan for amenities (e.g., parking, concessions, green rooms, loading docks) · Financial Feasibility · Estimate capital costs (construction, land acquisition, equipment) · Project operating costs and revenue sources (ticket sales, rentals, grants, memberships) · Preliminary Design Concepts Collaborate with architects/designers for initial conceptual designs · Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of different design options
IN PROGRESS
Fundraising & Business Planning · Fundraising Strategy · Identify potential funding sources: government grants, private donations, sponsorships, foundations · Launch community capital campaign Business & Operations Plan · Define staffing, governance, and operational models · Outline programming schedule, rental policies, and partnership structures
Who is leading tHESE effortS?
All efforts to develop and construct the High Desert Center for the Arts are citizen-led.
The Board of Directors is working with the community and local entities during this research and development phase.
Board of Directors:
Robin McClellan, Co-executive Director
Ann Stewart: Co-executive Director
Casey Monsen, MBA, CFP
Mike Harrington, JD