Preliminary Floor Plans

IFAC Announces Architect for “ARTitorium on Broadway”

Idaho Falls Arts Council Announces Architect for

“ARTitorium on Broadway”

The Idaho Falls Arts Council (IFAC) is hiring a familiar name to design the interior of the new interactive arts laboratory for youth “ARTitorium on Broadway” which will be housed in the old Rio Theater on at 271 Broadway. Keith T. Kennedy Architecture, based in Idaho Falls, has produced designs for commercial structures ranging from a cookie house to a powdered drink manufacturing facility; from an indoor riding arena and auction barn to assisted living centers and banking facilities; from zoo habitats for lions and tigers to restaurant and motel accommodations. The Rio Theater will be dramatically renovated to be the new home of this interactive facility.

The “ARTitorium on Broadway” will be a place for visitors of all ages and skill levels to explore our world with, through, and about the arts, while letting their imaginations run wild with hours of hands-on art experiences. The ARTitorium will be another attraction within the Cultural District in historic downtown Idaho Falls, which will continue to strengthen the economy in downtown.The decision by the Arts Council clears the way for design work to begin on this unique project. Bids for contractors will be solicited after the design work is approved. The entire “ARTitorium on Broadway” project is estimated at approximately $1.5 million with $1.1 million in cash and in-kind donations already raised. If anyone is interested in contributing to the success of this exciting addition to our community, please contact IFAC Development Director Gina Stevenson 208-522-0471 gstevenson@idahofallsarts.org.

Highlights of ARTitorium include:

❑ Encompassing approximately 5,500 sq. ft on the main floor, 2,000 ft. in the balcony, and additional classroom space in the lower level.

❑ When learning becomes fun; kids love to learn! That why each “art learning station” will use interactive computer/electronic technologies or visually stunning projects to hook young people on art education and thinking creatively.

❑ Stations will be tiered with beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of learning. This will make it possible to serve youth from toddlers to teens. Both individuals and groups will be able to work at stations.

❑ ARTitorium will help children build cognitive skills, self-esteem and express themselves in a positive way.

❑ ARTitorium will partner with area schools to provide children with exciting art education field trips.

❑ Over 40,000 young people and their families are expected to visit ARTitorium annually.

❑ ARTitorium will be open a variety of daytime, evenings and weekend hours for convenient access.

“ARTitorium on BROADWAY” opening in the Rio Theatre Summer 2012

RIO THEATRE TO BECOME INTERACTIVE ART LEARNING CENTER

“ARTitorium on BROADWAY” opening in the Rio Theatre Summer 2012

Idaho Falls, ID — The Idaho Falls Arts Council (IFAC) is pleased to announce the construction of an interactive visual arts learning center for youth. The “ARTitorium on Broadway” will be a place for visitors of all ages and skill levels to explore our world with, through, and about the arts, while letting their imaginations run wild with hours of hands-on art experiences. The Rio Theater will be dramatically renovated to be the new home of this interactive exhibit.

Rio Theatre owner, Jeff Neiswanger, is signing a long-term rent free lease with IFAC to house the art learning center. “There have been so many funding shortfalls for schools and programs for youth,” said Neiswanger. “I wanted to do something for kids and I was definitely thinking something culturally oriented. The Arts Council was already well underway with their planning for the ARTitorium, so this was just a natural fit.”

“We are extremely excited to move forward with this project and to bring back to life, a space that is rife with community memories,” said IFAC Executive Director, Jill Barnes.  “The Arts Council has always sought to improve the cultural opportunities for southeast Idaho and is proud of its participation in the revitalization of downtown.”

ARTitorium plans to have hands-on projects located on the main floor, a classroom on the lower level, and a balcony theater which may be used for many purposes including; recitals, small ensembles, children’s performers, a reader’s theater, films, meeting space and lectures. There is an old projection booth that will eventually become a small recording studio allowing community members to document recitals or create a demo recording for a band.

The cost of the entire project including the renovation is estimated at $1.5 million. It is being funded by individual, corporate and foundation donations, as well as a $285,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Development Director for IFAC, Gina Stevenson is also pleased to report that “We have currently raised over $1,000,000 in cash and pledges.” Donations may be made to The Idaho Falls Arts Council 498 A Street.

The IFAC helped create The Cultural District that includes the Colonial Theater, the Museum of Idaho, the Art Museum, and several commercial galleries. These facilities continue to be an economic force in Idaho Falls and the IFAC hopes to create another cultural experience in the ARTitorium that is scheduled to open in late summer of 2012.

Highlights of ARTitorium include:

• ARTitorium on Broadway will be housed at the old Rio theater located at 271 Broadway. Encompassing approximately 5,500 sq. ft on the main floor, 2,000 ft. in the balcony, and additional classroom space in the lower level.
• When learning becomes fun; kids love to learn! That why each “art learning station” will use interactive computer/electronic technologies or visually stunning projects to hook young people on art education and thinking creatively. 
• Stations will be tiered with beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of learning.  This will make it possible to serve youth from toddlers to teens.
• Both individuals and groups will be able to work at stations.
• ARTitorium will help children build cognitive skills, self-esteem and express themselves in a positive way. 
• ARTitorium will partner with area schools to provide children with exciting art education field trips.
• Over 40,000 young people and their families are expected to visit ARTitorium annually.
• ARTitorium will be open a variety of daytime, evenings and weekend hours for convenient access.
• ARTitorium will be a major visitor attraction to southeast Idaho and strengthen downtown revitalization.  There are also exciting synergies between ARTitorium, The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, The Museum of Idaho, and the Colonial Theater.