By Cornerstone’s Board of Directors—
MUNCIE, IN—The Board of Directors of Cornerstone Center for the Arts (CCA) in downtown Muncie regretfully announces we will pause classes this fall semester. CCA will remain open for rentals, events, and First Thursday exhibits in the Judith Barnes Gallery. Despite long time support from partners and patrons across the city, the cost to maintain our grand 1920s Masonic Temple building often exceeds revenue.
This pause in fall classes allows the board the necessary time to meet with key community stakeholders and supporters of Cornerstone. After reviewing seventeen years of programming experience, the board will begin to investigate other operational models that may give Cornerstone the resources to better grow its mission while supporting the needs of our community.
Arts education is foundational to our mission, but we recognize that during this period of financial crisis we must be committed to fulfilling our existing events and rental obligations. We expect to resume classes in early 2024. We deeply appreciate our artist teachers, and we regret the impact it will have on them. For the moment, we’re able to retain our core staff.
Cornerstone Center for the Arts was founded in 2006 with the merger of two non-profits, Muncie Center for the Arts and the Community Arts and Building Foundation, then owner of Muncie’s historic Masonic Temple. The six-story, Gothic Revival building was completed in 1926 under the direction of locally renowned architect, Cuno Kibele.
Today, we are proud of our mission to nurture community connections by providing opportunities for creative expression, educational programs, and events in a historic setting. The board is committed to developing a plan to see Cornerstone through this short term crisis and build a strong foundation for long term sustainability.
We ask that you continue to support Cornerstone and the impact we have on our community by making a donation. Contact Allison Bell, President and CEO at abell@cornerstonearts.org or 765.381.8780 or make a donation at https://www.cornerstonearts.org/donations/p/donate. Corporate sponsorships are available to support the 2024 arts education semesters of classes.
Cornerstone Center for the Arts offers opportunities for creative expression for all through community and rental spaces in a historic setting. Thousands of area residents attend events, wedding and civic events, in addition to taking classes in art, dance and music. Cornerstone is home to the The Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra Indiana. For additional information go to www.cornerstonearts.org or call 765-281-9503.
