Rendering by Method Studio.

WRITTEN BY MARINA GOMBERG

With a presence that reaches every corner of campus via physical buildings, interdisciplinary research, and teaching collaborations, the arts on the University of Utah campus are experiencing what some might call a renaissance. Now, the arts at the U have a legacy of always being central to the institution’s mission and success, and at this moment, we have more momentum than perhaps ever before.

We are referring to this time as Arts Re:Generation, and it’s the amalgamation of three major capital campaigns aimed at renovating and expanding the arts’ footprint on campus.

“It is our charge to provide inspired, modern spaces to help our students hone their crafts and prepare them for leadership in the industry,” Dean John Scheib said.

And charging toward that goal, we are. 

Price Theatre Arts Building (PTAB)

The first project to get underway was the transformation of Building 73 into the John and Marcia Price Theatre Arts Building, now home to the Department of Theatre and the vibrant feeder program, Youth Theatre at the U. 

 The renovation of 5,000 square feet of space, including building infrastructure and modest upgrades has increased our teaching studios, added new acting and musical theatre rehearsal spaces, enhanced and modernized lecture halls and rehearsal studios, increased security, and added a new amphitheater.

 “What is perhaps most significant, though,” said Department of Theatre Chair Sydney Cheek-O’Donnell. “Is that this new space brings together faculty, staff, students, and Youth Theatre under one roof. For a discipline that thrives on collaboration, the proximity to one another is extremely important.”

 With a lead gift from the John and Marcia Price Family Foundation this project is being completed now.

"At this time of uncertainty and confusion in the world, the arts are more important than ever,” said Marcia Price. “They lift our spirits and bring happiness. We are honored to be a part of the John and Marcia Price Theatre Arts Building."

Rendering by GSBS

Meldrum Theatre Project at the Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse

The Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse is a historic building on the University of Utah campus that we are working to turn into a modern 375-seat theatre to be used and shared by the Department of Theatre and Pioneer Theatre Company. This project will give new life to this iconic building and provide a synergistic and rare opportunity to meet both entities’ needs, while preserving an historic structure, and expanding opportunities for artists and arts patrons alike.

 The new theatre will provide a much-needed mid-size theatre for Pioneer Theatre Company’s contemporary and new plays that require smaller, more intimate spaces; add a thrust performance venue for the Department of Theatre with the space and production support resources needed to accommodate its growing programs, particularly the Musical Theatre Program; and allow greater collaboration among our academic and professional units, increasing opportunities for students to connect to real-world work and working artists. 

 “We realized that our shared needs might be the perfect occasion for us to work together on a performing space that could be used by both entities and also further our collaborative work together,” said Karen Azenberg, Pioneer Theatre Company’s Artistic Director. 

 This project received a generous lead gift from Peter and Catherine Meldrum, who met in the Fieldhouse when Pete was on the track team and Cathie was a member of the Ute-Tahnas drill team during their time as students.

 Before he passed away in 2018, Pete said, “Cathie and I have enjoyed Pioneer Theatre productions since we were students at the U, and from my time on the College of Fine Arts Advisory Board I became aware

that the Theatre Department needed a much larger space for its student performances.”

We’re grateful to the numerous families who have joined in this campaign to bring this much needed intimate theatre to our campus. Renovation is currently underway.

Rendering by Prescott Muir & Architects.

Film & Media Arts Building (FMAB)

The third project will benefit the Departments of Art & Art History and Film & Media Arts.

The first phase of this project will be the creation of a new Gittins Gallery which will be the Department of Art & Art History’s new exhibition space (thanks to a leading gift by the Wheatley Family who is featured later in this publication).

The following phases will completely renovate and upgrade the Department of Film & Media Arts’ production and post-production facilities and ultimately connect the public spaces of the Departments of Art & Art History and Film & Media Arts with those of the College of Architecture and Planning.

“We live in an age when different media are converging in unprecedented ways, and when media-makers are expected to have skills that transcend longstanding divisions and boundaries,” Chair Andrew Patrick Nelson said. “Updating and improving our facilities is essential to maintaining the U’s status as one of the nation’s leading film programs, as we continue the work of preparing our graduates to be active participants across the 21st-century media landscape.”

All three projects have the unwavering support of the University of Utah at large.

“We have gained new appreciation over the past year for how the arts inspire, entertain, and connect us to one another,” said Dr. Michael Good, interim president of the University of Utah. “Artistic creativity is innovative and opens us to understand humanity and our world in new ways. That’s why the College of Fine Arts and the education and scholarly pursuits it leads remain a top priority for the U. We are grateful for the support of our community partners who are joining us in Arts Re:Generation to reimagine the arts on our campus and beyond.” ■