Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County performing arts hall and arts park is designed to entertain audiences, embrace artists of all ages and elevate the local arts scene. Still in the design and fundraising stage, this innovative community project resides on a 100+ acre wooded site just east of the intersection of Sam Rayburn Tollway/121 and Custer Road in Allen, which will be home to a 2,100 seat performance hall equipped with state-of-the-art acoustics designed to showcase everything from Broadway shows to performances by local arts groups. The site includes an outdoor meadow which accommodates up to 3,000 guests for concerts and festivals as well as a planned sculpture garden, botanical garden, walking trails and creeks, educational classrooms and art gallery space all to create a unique arts and cultural venue.

With North Texas’ population projected to reach over 9 million by 2030, of which 28% will be under the age of 18, there must be even more of an emphasis on arts and a cultural climate in order to sustain the region’s leadership role in quality of life with exceptional neighborhoods, schools and citizens.

It is no secret to college recruiters that students who participate in fine arts programs are more likely to score higher on standardized test scores, possess critical thinking skills, have great personal discipline and have an appreciation for the world around them. These characteristics make them appealing candidates for excellent colleges and the corporate world. The arts within schools are the key component to 21st century learning skills such as creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking which comprise the creative work force.

In North Texas, three times as many students participate in fine arts programs than sports. This includes the thousands of students who participate in marching band, orchestra, choir, theatre, speech, visual art, drill team, color guard and dance. The arts influence how children learn at even the earliest age. The arts help teach shapes, color recognition, size differentiation, letter and number recognition, phonic recognition, sequencing, following directions, hand eye and motor coordination, kinesthetic and spatial relationships, and direction and location which contribute to their over-all education.

As students imagine, create, and reflect, they are developing both verbal and nonverbal abilities necessary to school progress. At the same time, they are developing problem-solving abilities and higher-order thinking skills. Research points toward a consistent and positive correlation between a substantive education in the arts and student achievement in other subjects and on standardized tests. A comprehensive, articulated arts education program also engages students in a process that helps them develop the self-discipline, cooperation, and self-motivation necessary for self-esteem and success in life. In today’s global economy, the arts influence people’s understanding of other cultures, unique means of expression and in the interdependence of work in the arts within the broader worlds of ideas and actions.

In building a place for future generations to appreciate and practice the arts, the Arts of Collin County recognizes the needs to serve upcoming generations. North Texas students are highly motivated to express themselves through the arts and more than ever are participating in t fine arts in schools and independent programs. Music, dance and visual art studios are rapidly expanding throughout the area to meet this demand. Yet these students do not have adequate facilities to perform and master their art. Not only is there a need from students; artists of all ages seek a place to express and nurture their talents.
Limited venues, high costs and travel prohibit many student and community groups from attending events or performing in Dallas, Fort Worth or other larger area venues.. With the Arts of Collin County located within 15 miles of every area school and neighborhood, artists and fans of the arts will all enjoy art, nature, culture and the spirit of community – right in their own backyard. While there are many small venues throughout this area, none can host international and national scale events such as Broadway, musical performances, traveling children’s shows, plays and more. The Arts of Collin County will provide even more reason for these entertainers to include north Texas and Collin County as they plan their tours. By creating a reputation as a place that values and supports the arts through the development of the new arts district and venues in Dallas; the continued strong support of Bass Hall in Fort Worth; and now the development of this world class performing arts hall and park in Collin County, we will attract the highest quality of performers and touring companies to this region. Not only will citizens be entertained, but students will benefit from specialized master classes and programs taught by leaders in their field that are drawn to the all encompassing arts environment created by the Arts of Collin County.

With over 80% of the funds already committed, we need parents, citizens and businesses to contribute financially to ensure this rare opportunity happens. We only need $12 million to get started. The Arts of Collin County initiative is like no other in North Texas and will leave a legacy for future generations. Imagine the possibilities – be a part of it.
Please get involved and donate today! Donations accepted online www.artsofcollincounty.org

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