Gov. Pritzker Announces $119 Million Investment in Western Illinois University

Gov. Pritzker Announces $119 Million Investment in Western Illinois University

MACOMB – Governor JB Pritzker joined state and local officials to announce a $119 million investment for the construction of a Center for Performing Arts (CPA) at Western Illinois University. The funding is made possible by the
Governor’s historic bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The new Center for Performing Arts will support the academic mission and programs
in the WIU College of Fine Arts and Communication and serve as a cultural and performing arts destination for the campus community, the City of Macomb, and the entire western Illinois region.

“For nearly 50 years, Western Illinois waited for state government to fund a new facility, while unmet opportunities piled up and potential innovation fell by the wayside,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to announce an
investment of $119 million for a new, best-inclass Center for Performing Arts here at Western Illinois University. It’s projects like these that prove Illinois is no longer defined by its fiscal woes, but by its determination to invest in its
people. That’s what has always made this the greatest state in the nation: our people. And Western Illinois University is on the forefront of our renaissance as a state.”

Once completed, the 100,000-square-foot building will boast classrooms, offices, practice rooms, studios, and significant performance space to support the interdisciplinary efforts of Western Illinois University students. The Great
Hall, an 850-seat Proscenium Theatre, will provide state-of-the-art performance space for music, theatre, and dance productions, as well as
regional and national touring performances. The smaller Black Box Theatre will provide a more intimate space for campus productions. Construction
is slated to begin in 2022.

“We appreciate Governor J.B. Pritzker, Deputy Governor for Education Martin Torres, the General Assembly, and the Capital Development Board for continuing to move forward on this much-anticipated, iconic Center for Performing Arts,” said Western Illinois University President, Guiyou Huang. “We look forward to watching the building construction progress and anxiously await the day we can celebrate its grand opening. The Center for Performing Arts will enhance Western’s academic distinction and provide our
region with state-of-the-art music, dance, and theatre facilities. This is a true investment for WIU and west-central Illinois. Once again, we extend our gratitude to the Governor, the CDB, our legislators, businesses, alumni, friends, and donors for their dedication to this project.”

The Capital Development Board (CDB) will oversee the project’s design and construction in accordance with the protocol for state-appropriated projects.

Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan provides essential funding to support the revitalization and improvement of Illinois roadways, state facilities, universities, bridges, and railways over a six-year period. The
initiative seeks to address critical infrastructure needs and create economic opportunities across the state.

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