Calendar of Events

As the historic Canton Palace Theatre approaches its 100th anniversary, it is undertaking one of the most ambitious projects in its history: a $19 million expansion and renovation designed to preserve its legacy while preparing the Theatre to serve the community for generations to come. The Palace100 Project addresses critical needs in accessibility, patron experience, backstage functionality, operational capacity, and the ability to attract and accommodate today’s touring artists and events.

In this behind-the-scenes case study, attendees will follow the Palace100 Project from its earliest conversations and property acquisition through planning, fundraising, public-private partnerships, construction, and ultimately the transformation of a beloved historic landmark. The session will explore not only what is being built, but why, sharing the opportunities, challenges, decisions, partnerships, and lessons learned along the way.

More than a building project, Palace100 represents an investment in accessibility, the arts, downtown Canton, and the economic vitality of the surrounding community. Attendees will leave with a candid look at what it takes for a nonprofit arts organization to turn an ambitious vision into a transformational capital project and position a nearly century-old institution for its next 100 years.

SCHEDULE

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Networking and Theatre Tour
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Educational Session and Q&A

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Understand how a major capital project moves from vision to reality, including identifying organizational needs, developing the project scope, acquiring property, assembling professional partners, fundraising, and moving into construction.
• Identify the factors that shaped the Palace100 Project, including the need for greater ADA accessibility, improved patron amenities, expanded backstage facilities, increased competition, changing artist requirements, and opportunities for new programming and partnerships.
• Explore strategies for building community and financial support for a transformational project, including private philanthropy, government investment, organizational contributions, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships with community stakeholders.
• Recognize how accessibility can be integrated throughout a historic renovation, rather than treated as a single facility improvement, with enhancements to seating, restrooms, elevators, backstage spaces, concessions, ticketing, parking, and building circulation.
• Gain practical insight into the opportunities and challenges of transforming a historic performing arts venue while preserving its character and positioning it to meet the expectations of future audiences, artists, and community partners.
• Understand how a capital project can advance a larger community vision, using investment in an arts and cultural institution to support downtown revitalization, economic impact, accessibility, collaboration, and long-term organizational sustainability.

Speakers