The Walton Arts Center received $500,000 from General Mills toward the nonprofit’s expansion and renovation of its Fayetteville center.
The total cost of the 30,000 square foot expansion and other updates is $23 million. The General Mills gift comes on the heels of like contributions from Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt Transport Services in recent days.
“General Mills has been a long-time sponsor of both Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP. Their partnership and support has helped fulfill our mission of bringing great performing artists and entertainers from all over the world to the region,” said Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center.
WAC will rename its box office in honor of General Mills.
“The new General Mills Box Office will welcome our patrons attending the renovated Fayetteville campus,” Lane added.
He said General Mills has been a supporter of the Walton Arts Center since 2003. Their sponsorship has focused on educational programming, concerts, and capital projects that benefit and strengthen our local communities.
The goal is to complete the Dickson Street renovation by fall of 2016. Heavy construction of the main lobby and Starr Theater will occur during the off-peak summer months of 2015 and 2016 to minimize the impact on regular programming and ensure the arts center has a full season.
“Much like our mission of Nourishing Lives, Walton Arts Center is working to nourish the lives of the community by bringing arts and culture to our area,” said Adam Dill, Vice President of Sales for General Mills. “We are proud to support the expansion efforts and investing in the future of the Walton Arts Center with this contribution. We look forward to seeing the completion of the renovations in fall of 2016.”