GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $650,000 TO EXPAND THE MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER

For Immediate Release:  April 28, 2005

HONOLULU – Governor Lingle has released $650,000 to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC), including $500,000 to support the MACC’s Capital Campaign, A Gift for Generations to Come, which will fund improvements to expand the capacity of the Center to better serve the Maui community.  An additional $150,000 grant will be used for programming, services and general operations of the center.

Last year, the Center hit a high point with 235,000 people coming through the doors for over 1,750 various activities.  Increasing use by the Maui community, as well as the surge in visitor counts and activities is far beyond what was expected when MACC opened its doors nearly 11 years ago. 

The Capital Campaign will address growing levels of usage of the Center facilities and allocate funds that are needed to sustain the MACC’s annual operations, education and community programs. Furthermore, it will allow the MACC to continue its mission as a place of educational value where the community can gather and enjoy a world-class venue of exciting and diverse artists.

“As someone who appreciates and has been enriched by the vast array of arts and culture that exist on Maui, I understand how important this project is to keeping this tradition alive and available for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Governor Lingle.

The State will release the funds to the County of Maui, which will then enter into a contract with Maui Arts and Cultural Center.

“We want to thank the State for understanding the multiple functions the MACC serves for our community, both in economic impact and in programs that have statewide reach,” said Karen Fischer, President & CEO of MACC.  “The state funds will help us serve these functions better as well as meet ever-growing demand.”

The total project cost is $11,660,600, with private contributions amounting to $11,160,600.  The improvements are expected to be completed by August 2006.

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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus  
Senior Advisor – Communications  
Phone:  586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043