Posted August 3, 2022 at 5:27 PM MDT
Plans for the 40-acre arts district near Utah Valley University’s Wasatch Campus include an amphitheater, park and school facilities. The Wasatch County Arts Council is planning a cultural center for arts groups to work and practice.
The city and developer are partnering to pay for most of the county’s land. The non-profit Arts Council oversees the funding of the community center in this district.
“This is a big project; We have to go out and raise $50 million,” Joshua Jewkes, an attorney representing the arts council. “That’s a lot of money, but it’s going on, and it’s going to happen.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2029, but planners say they hope to be ready before that year.
He said fundraisers will often seek contributions from the wealthy but they can also try to get local governments to help.
He said the building will provide a much-needed space for Heber Valley musicians, actors, visual artists and others. He also said that the technical board will bring athletes abroad and develop tourism.
At its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Heber City Council approved an agreement to lease 4 acres to the arts center for $1 a year. Councilor Mike Johnston said he was very happy to do so.
“This is amazing, and it will be amazing for 100 years,” said Councilman Mike Johnston.
Members of the Wasatch County arts community came out to show strong support for Heber City by using tax dollars to help support the arts district in February. That money will go toward other projects in the arts district such as theaters and parks, as well as amenities in the development.
These activities are eligible for RAP tax support, which is the recreation, arts and parks tax. Wasatch County will vote on whether to collect that sales tax at the rate of one penny for every $10 spent in November. In last year’s election, the local government also tried to pass the RAP tax, but it failed by eight votes.
Follow this link for more information on the proposed community arts center.
