Where did the idea for the performing arts center originate?

In 1990 Prince William County did a visioning exercise to imagine what Prince William would look like decades ahead.  One element of the plan was a first class performing arts center to serve local arts groups and bring international artists to our community.

In 1999 the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center opened on the Prince William Campus which was a partnership between the county, city and university.  It was an immediate success.  Kathy Seefeldt, then chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and Randall Edwards, head of the Prince William Campus for George Mason agreed that the next challenge for the three partners should be a performing arts center.  It was something that the county, city or university could not do alone, but, together, could accomplish to benefit all three constituencies.

Who is paying to build the center?

Based on the success of the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center on the Prince William campus and the lack of a first class performance venue in the Prince William region, Prince William County, the City of Manassas and George Mason University agreed in October 2004 to pay for the design and construction and equipping of the center up to a cost of $36 million.  Based on projected utilization, the cost is allocated: the county 60%, university 30% and city 10%.  Using its bonding authority, George Mason has sold bonds to cover the cost of design and construction and the partners will service those bonds in the proportion indicated above.

Construction inflation raised the cost of the building to $44 million.  The $8 million dollar increase was met through a $4 million state grant and private sector support.  George Mason has donated the land (valued at $3 million), fundraising management, and construction management.

The Campaign for the Hylton Center is raising a $15 million permanent endowment from the private sector.  What is the purpose of the endowment?

The center’s income will come from three major sources: earned income (ticket sales and facility rental), annual contributed support, and income earned off the permanent endowment.  All three will play an important role in the center’s financial stability.

No performing arts center can earn enough through ticket sales and rentals to meet annual expenses.  To do so would mean ticket prices and rental fees so high that the community could not afford to use it.  Income earned off a permanent endowment helps close the gap between earned income and annual operating expenses with the remainder coming from annual fundraising.   Typically, a performing arts center will receive approximately 50%-60% of its operating budget from ticket sales and facilities rental with the remainder coming from contributed support and income off endowment.

In addition to the Endowment Fund, the Campaign is raising money for an “Operating Fund.”  What is that?

The Operating Fund is used to pay for pre-opening expenses as well as operating expenses once the center opens.  Core staff will begin to be hired and program and marketing materials will be developed 12-16 months in advance of opening.  

What is the status of fundraising to date?

In 2004, the Partnership and Development Committee was established by the George Mason Campus Advisory Board.  The committee functions as the campaign committee for the performing arts center.  The committee’s major objectives are to inform the general public about the plans and purposes of the performing arts center and to organize and implement the fundraising program for the center’s permanent endowment and operating fund. 

Gifts have ranged from $5 million to $100 with a broad cross-section of the community participating in the campaign.  The “Take a Seat Campaign” allows donors to be recognized with a plaque on a seat in Merchant Hall for a gift of $2,500 payable over five years.

To date $9.8 million has been raised toward the campaign goal of $15 million.  When the Hylton Challenge (see below) has been met, the total raised will be $11.5 million or 77% of the campaign goal.  The goal is to meet the campaign goal by the time the building opens in spring of 2010.

What is the ‘Hylton Challenge”?

The Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation has made a very generous $5 million grant to the project.  In recognition of this leadership support the center will be named the Hylton Performing Arts Center.  $2.5 million of the grant is in the form or a “challenge” or matching grant.  For every dollar raised for the center, the Hylton Foundation will match that gift dollar for dollar up to a total of $2.5 million.  Thus far $865,000 has been raised toward the Hylton Challenge. The second $2.5 million is an outright grant.

When will the center open?

The site has been cleared and foundation work is underway.

Construction is projected to be complete in early 2010 with a spring 2010 formal opening.

Who will run the performing arts center?

The Partnership Agreement signed by the county, city and the university provides for the establishment of an Executive Board to determine matters of operational and programmatic policy for the center.  As outlined in the Agreement, the board will consist of 19 members appointed by the governing body of each of the partners (county, 8 members, George Mason, 3 members, Manassas, 2 members).  In addition, 6 members will be appointed by the Prince William Campus Advisory Board on which are representatives of the business, government, and education communities.  The board will select its own chair.  Board members can serve two consecutive four-year terms.  The Hylton Center will be owned and operated by George Mason University.

Who will be in charge of scheduling the use of the center?

The center’s Executive Board will determine overall policy with regard to scheduling, but the center Executive Director and her staff will consult widely with users to best meet the needs of all concerned.

What will the programming be like at the center?

From Beethoven to Bluegrass, and from ballet to the blues, the center’s program will reflect the wide range of performing arts activity in the region as well as the diverse interests of the community.   The center hopes to become the artistic home for many local performing arts groups, as well as serve as an additional venue for school-related activities.  GMU will offer student and faculty work in music, dance, and theater.   A series of performances by internationally acclaimed touring artists will also take place at the center. 

Will individuals and groups be able to rent facilities in the center for private events?

Absolutely.  Business, civic, arts, and service groups are encouraged to hold their events at the center.  The center will also be able to host corporate meetings, business “expos,” and individual special occasions.  Merchant hall (1,166 seats), the Gregory Family Theater (300-seats), and the Didlake Grand Foyer (300 for a seated dinner and 650 for a reception), as well as other smaller reception areas are available for rental.  A catering kitchen is available in the center, as is staff support for outside events.

How much will tickets cost?

The mandate of the center is excellence, diversity and accessibility.  Local groups will set their own ticket prices.  For other presentations the objective is to bring the highest possible quality consistent with making it accessible to the widest possible audience.  The community’s annual financial support for the center will be very important in keeping ticket prices and rental fees moderate.

What about parking at the Hylton Center?

Absolutely free and plenty of it conveniently adjacent to the center, with

designated handicapped parking and a parking circle drop-off right at the

main entrance.

How can I get involved with the center?

Volunteer support is key to the Hylton Center’s success.  Prior to opening we are spreading the word and raising money for the campaign in a variety of ways including hosting or attending house parties, helping build our list of those who want to learn more about the center and its program.  Once open, there will be numerous volunteer opportunities available.  For more information on volunteering please contact the Hylton Center’s Executive Director, Jean Kellogg at jkellog3@gmu.edu or 703-993-9657.