Art Center Plans to Open in 2019

The population of Cornelius, the lakeside town located on Lake Norman, more than doubled between the 2000 to 2010 U.S. censuses, and the growth is continuing. Such expansion has prompted an appreciation of the arts in the community, and a desire to establish a physical facility to celebrate regional culture. The Cornelius Arts and Community Center is expected to open in late 2019.

The new build will be located next to the Catawba Avenue police station on an almost two-acre site acquired for $1.5 million earlier this year. The central location will draw people from the surrounding residential areas. Town officials believe the project will create additional development interest in the Old Cornelius downtown area. In 2013 the town of Cornelius designated $4 million to of bond funds to the project.

The center will house arts-related programs and activities, including film screenings, drama, dance, music, and art exhibits in various mediums such as painting, ceramics, and photography. Experienced artists will display their best works, and art classes will be offered for all ages and skill levels.

The Cornelius Arts and Community Center is currently seeking to hire an executive director.