Arts Center With School, Performance Spaces Opens In Aurora

AURORA, IL -- Aurora's burgeoning arts scene just got another exciting addition. The John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center officially opened Saturday, bringing with it the new Paramount School of the Arts and spaces for artists to work, rehearse, and reside.

Started by the Pararmount Theatre, the Paramount School of the Arts caters to budding artists with classes that focus on music, dance, and performance. The arts school features a dance studio and the Studio Theatre, which does double duty as a space for instruction and performances.

The school's mission statement ties into its dedication to fostering Aurora's arts community. They aim to "encourage expansive imaginations and broad views of people and the world, and contributing to the future stability and growth of Aurora’s downtown."

The 80,000 square foot space is also home to Artesan Lofts, luxury loft spaces that occupy the building's second and third floors. The 38 units are described as "artist-preference apartments" with "leasing preference is provided to applicant head of households who are working artists."

The Artesan Lofts floor plans feature a collaboration space and music studios for both group and private performances. Dancers can hone their craft in a movement studio on the building's third floor.