Members of this work group identified people who are capable of supporting a capital
campaign for the Performing Arts Center including community leaders, business leaders,
people involved in the arts, and people interested in the economic development of
downtown. Of this list, 25 individuals were selected to be interviewed as part of this study.
Betsy McNamara and Amy Lockwood from Full Circle Consulting then conducted a total of
23 interviews that included 30 individuals. Those interviewed were promised
confidentiality and were asked the same set of questions. All responses are reported in
the aggregate; specific quotes are unattributed.
Of those interviewed, 33% describe themselves as already involved in the arts in Nashua,
63% own or lead a business in the area, and 60% describe themselves as actively
interested in the future of downtown. Thirteen percent were all three.
BACKGROUND
NASHUA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Conversation about bringing a performing arts center to Nashua has been ongoing for
years. Public debate about the project has focused on the size, location, scope, and cost.
In recent years the City has prioritized the development of a performing arts center. In
2016, the City contracted with Webb Management Services, whose mission is to build
creativity with sound and thoughtful planning, consulting, research, and facilitation that inform
and enable decision-makers to create and sustain programs and places for arts, culture, and
creativity that benefit their communities. Webb conducted a market feasibility study, led the
site selection process, and recommended a business plan for the proposed Performing
Arts Center.
Webb Management Services’ final report was presented to the Board of Alderman in May,
2017. All of its studies and reports are available online
at https://www.nashuanh.gov/1142/Performing-Arts-Center-Feasibility-Study. Webb
recommended the purchase and redevelopment of 201 Main Street in Nashua’s
downtown.
In November 2017 the citizens of Nashua approved an advisory question for a $15.5
million bond to acquire and redevelop 201 Main Street to create a downtown performing
arts center. The plan is to create a 500 -700-seat Performing Arts Center. A to-be-created
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization will act as building stewards and manage day-to-day
operations. The nonprofit will be managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The City of
Nashua will not be involved in the day-to-day management of the Center.
This nonprofit Performing Arts Center will contract with a booking agent who will bring in
musical, dance, and theatrical acts. Symphony NH has expressed interest in utilizing the
Performing Arts Center for their smaller shows. The Center will also be available to rent
for private functions such as weddings and corporate meetings.
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