New Castle Receives $30K Donation for Performing Arts Center

From the Town of New Castle: The Town of New Castle is thrilled to announce that it has received an anonymous donation of $30,000 to be used for children's programming at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center.The Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, previously known as the Wallace Auditorium at Chappaqua Crossing, was slated to be demolished. In 2016, the Town persuaded Summit Greenfield, the owner of the property, to save the auditorium and transfer ownership of the facility to the Town, for free.The 13,000 square foot facility has 425 seats and overlooks the signature Cupola Building. The Town has already hired a theatre manager – John Fanelli of Lighthouse Youth Theater -- to manager the facility.

The Town also established the New Castle Arts & Culture Committee, whose mission is to develop, propose and raise awareness of events and programs on art, music, dance, theatre, film and all other cultural art forms in and around the Town of New Castle. The Committee’s plans for the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center include bringing art, comedy, music, dance, lectures, virtual performances from the 92nd Street Y and other venues, and as well as children’s and senior programming.New Castle Councilwoman Lisa Katz chairs the Arts & Culture Committee and is leading the efforts to restore and upgrade this beautiful facility for the Town.

Lisa is also working with Friends of the Arts in New Castle, a new 501(c)(3) corporation that is being formed by residents of New Castle interested in supporting the arts in New Castle.Friends of the Arts in New Castle already hosted a fundraiser when local recording artist Frank Shiner. Shiner's all-star band donated 100% of ticket sale profits to the Friends of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center.Councilwoman Lisa Katz stated, "I am so pleased that the interest in programming at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center is already so great. We feel honored to have received this $30,000 grant, which gives us an incredible opportunity to enhance our children's programs at ChappPAC.

Our fall lineup will be announced soon, and I think everyone will agree how far ChappPAC has come in such an short time. It is on track to become an invaluable resource for our community. I would like to thank the members of the New Castle Arts & Culture Committee for their work. I would also like to thank you also to Michele Gregson and Tracy Stein who have worked tirelessly leading Friends of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, the fundraising arm of ChappPAC".New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein said, "We will continue to explore opportunities to work with residents and other benefactors who are interested in making private donations to support programming and capital improvements at the facility. This venue is a unique and incredible asset for the community. I think it will become a regular destination for residents of all ages.”

To get involved with Friends of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, please contact FriendsofChappPAC@gmail.com

To book the Wallace Auditorium: bookwallace@mynewcastle.org

Virtual Tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?model=ZteMkcsdpWi.Read more about Chappaqua Performing Arts Center: http://mynewcastle.org/departments/parks-recreation-2/chappaqua-performing-arts-center/

Supervisor Rob GreensteinRGreenstein@MyNewCastle.org 917-750-2771

Councilwoman Lisa KatzLKatz@MyNewCastle.org (917) 696-0029

John Fanelli john@lytshows.org (914) 490-0498

Photos courtesy of the town of New Castle