The Connection A publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Volume 1, Issue 3
May/June 2012
Arts, Theatre support our economy By Alice C. Hunt Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Theatre Lawrence broke ground in May on what will be its new home come summer 2013 – a 35,000 square-foot, energy efficient theater in West Lawrence. “It will be a much more user-friendly building all the way around,” said Mary Doveton, executive director of Theatre Lawrence, “and to be part of a community will be wonderful.” Arts organizations like Theatre Lawrence not only contribute to the quality of life in Lawrence, but to the economy as well. Nonprofit arts organizations in Lawrence spend $16.9 million each year, and leverage $16.5 million in addition spending by arts audiences, according to a study by Americans for the Arts. When completed, the $7.1 million facility, will nearly double seating to 300, expand classroom space, expand parking and handicapped accessibility, and provide much-needed prop storage. The theater’s design and construction is largely being handled by local businesses. “As a nonprofit that’s rooted in the com-
munity, we feel strongly about using community people,” Doveton said. “Not only are we using architects and engineers and construction people here but some of our professional consultants are local people” including the sound engineers designing the acoustics. Theatre Lawrence is also looking forward to being part of the West Lawrence community and contributing to its economic success. According to a study from Americans for the Arts, people who attend nonprofit arts events in Lawrence spend an additional $30.15 over the price of admission when attending an event. “To be able to move into a mixed use area where our patrons will have the ability to easily go out to dinner before a show, or a drink and dessert after a show, and be part of the flow of commerce will be wonderful,” Doveton said. For information on Theatre Lawrence, call 785.843.7469.
Theatre Lawrence Groundbreaking Ceremony, May 10, 2012
Kansas Research Nexus A regional marketing effort, known as the Kansas Research Nexus, will showcase Lawrence-Topeka-Manhattan as the destination of choice for new Kansas businesses. The purpose of the Kansas Research Nexus (KRN) is to increase awareness of the unique research capabilities resident in the nine-county region, anchored by the University of Kansas and Kansas State. Positioned as “the heart of the heartland,” the KRN marketing efforts will complement the work being done by the Kansas City Area Development Council and Animal Health Corridor to attract and retain businesses in our region. The KRN website is now live at www. kansasresearchnexus.com. Learn more about the capabilities resident in our 9-county region and our efforts to showcase the Lawrence-Topeka-Manhattan corridor in a new and exciting way.