Madison Cultural Arts Center May Still Be Years Away: Report

Eric Dillner, CEO and executive director of the Shoreline Arts Alliance, said the Arts Alliance is trying to find an architect to renovate the former Academy School so it can be turned into a regional cultural arts center, according to a report from the New Haven Register.

The interview process is slated to start the first week of January, however, there are many other things to accomplish so it could possibly be up to three or four years before their goal of a fully-functioning cultural arts center comes to fruition, said Dillner via the Register.

The Academy School building located at 1 Academy Street needs updates such as a new elevator, lead paint that needs to be removed and asbestos in the tile floors.

The Architectural Services Selection Committee is spreading awareness through what they call “friend raisers” which consist of community members opening their doors and inviting as many people as possible over to hear a presentation from him, said Dillner via the New Haven Register.

Residents can sign up for a “friend raiser” by sending an email to office@shorelinearts.org.

Some features of the planned facility include spaces for the performing arts, culinary arts and a YouTube studio, said Dillner via the Register.

The full New Haven Register report can be read here.