More than $16 million raised as goal surpassed for Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex

(From Connect2Culture)

The Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex is pleased to announce exceeding the original $16 million commitment goal! At present, 263 individuals, businesses, foundations, and community organizations have committed $16,216,252 in support for The Cornell Complex.

As announced January 27, 2020, the ultimate goal for the Complex has been expanded from $16 million to $17.5 million. With support from additional contributors, the Complex will gain enhanced features and functionality that will expand the quality of life offerings for residents and visitors. 

This new and exciting destination in Joplin will generate long-term economic benefits to the City, all while providing quality performances, exhibits, and experiences in a state-of-the-art facility. The Cornell Complex will be a home for the arts in Joplin and a new home for both Spiva Center for the Arts and Connect2Culture.

“During the last few months, leadership of Connect2Culture and Spiva Center for the Arts have made tremendous progress working with architects to finalize the exterior and interior spaces. We are moving forward positively, embracing this important project for our region as we look to the future with hope of creating a vibrant destination in our community with something for everyone,” said Sharon Beshore, President of The Cornell Complex.

With passage of the CARES Act, 2020 is the year for charitable giving because of notable incentives. Contributions of all sizes are welcome. All taxpayers can take a charitable deduction of up to $300 in 2020, even if they do not itemize. For those who do itemize, 2020 cash contributions can be deducted up to 100% of adjusted gross income. Corporate contribution limitations have been increased in 2020 from 10% of taxable income to 25%. Donors are encouraged to consult a tax advisor for final details. Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and cultural organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

The timeline for the Complex is on schedule with groundbreaking planned for early 2021. The Complex will open to the public Fall 2022. Architects for the project are DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky of New York City, NY and Corner Greer & Associates of Joplin, MO. The Construction Manager for the project is Crossland Construction Company headquartered in Columbus, KS.

The multifunctional Cornell Complex will include a 470-seat highly adaptable performance hall with theatrical seating that can be converted into a flat floor configuration, a shared stage for both indoor and outdoor performances, new and expanded gallery spaces for Spiva Center for the Arts, an outdoor amphitheater/festival plaza with capacity to host 2,000 people, rooftop venues, potential office space for arts and cultural organizations, and more. Connect2Culture will manage all performance venues, while Spiva Center for the Arts will manage gallery and classroom spaces.

Full details about the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, including a downloadable Gift Form for those who would like to join the effort and available naming opportunities, can be found at cornellcomplex.org. Interested parties may also contact Clifford Wert, Treasurer of The Cornell Complex, at clifford@connect2culture.org.

Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex Board of Directors: Sharon Beshore (President), Clifford Wert (Treasurer), Annette Thurston (Secretary), Anne Curchin, Laurie Delano, Steve Graddy, Troy Hill, Dr. Ronald Lankford, and Angela Austin Vorhees.