Member News

Contact: Emily Frankoski, Director
Phone: (417) 501-5550 | Cell: (417) 529-2925 
Email: emily@connect2culture.org

SUBJECT: $15.8 Million Pledged Towards Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex.

Joplin, Missouri – An update and media briefing pertaining to the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex (The Cornell Complex) was held Monday, January 27, 11:00am at Spiva Center for the Arts (222 West 3rd St, Joplin, MO 64801).

An exciting new total of funding commitments were shared, as well as an updated timeline and information pertaining to the governance of the Complex. A 3-D printed model of the most current rendering, and how it compares to the surrounding area, was on display.

It was announced that a total of $15.8 million in commitments have been received from 248 individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations. This is 98.7% of the $16 million goal for the project. This new total is a $1,142,000 increase from the amount revealed at the Launch Party held in June 2019 that ultimately secured the land for the project.

“We are definitely going to build The Cornell Complex within our budget and manage the process as we continue our capital campaign,” stated Clifford Wert, President & CFO, Connect2Culture. The Cornell Complex will be a major new destination in downtown Joplin that will enhance quality of life and create a gathering place for citizens, area residents, and visitors.

The multifunctional Cornell Complex will consist of a 450-475 seat performance hall, new and expanded gallery spaces for Spiva Center for the Arts, an outdoor amphitheater/festival plaza with an updated capacity for 1,500-2,000 people, rooftop venues, and more. Connect2Culture will manage all performance venues, while Spiva will manage gallery and classroom spaces. New interior plans consist of a shared stage for both indoor and outdoor performances. Plans also include potential office space for arts and cultural organizations, in addition to those of Connect2Culture and Spiva Center for the Arts.

The Capital Campaign Committee for The Cornell Complex has now challenged itself to seek a new grand total of $17.5 million in commitments to further enhance the Complex. Enhancements may include: a canopy for the amphitheater, outdoor interactive water feature, sculptures throughout the grounds, orchestra shell, a marley floor for dance performances, and additional offices for local arts and cultural organizations. “Opportunity now exists for more supporters to join and make The Cornell Complex an even greater facility for this community,” said Wert. “The more we raise, the more of these enhancements we can provide.”

The timeline for the project is on schedule with groundbreaking planned for late 2020. The Complex will open to the public in Fall 2022. As previously announced, 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.

In addition, it was announced that effective August 5, 2019, the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex was incorporated under the State of Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Act. The board of the corporation consists of nine members. The three members representing Connect2Culture include Clifford Wert, Troy Hill, and Anne Curchin. The three members representing Spiva Center for the Arts include Annette Thurston, Steve Graddy, and Angela Austin Vorhees. Sharon Beshore is the Cornell/Beshore family designee. Two independent members include Dr. Ronald Lankford and Laurie Delano. Officers are Sharon Beshore as President, Annette Thurston as Secretary, and Clifford Wert as Treasurer. The Cornell Complex is in the process of obtaining its 501c3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service.

Full details on the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex can be found at https://www.cornellcomplex.org/.

Connect2Culture (C2C) is a not-for-profit arts organization founded in 2009 to enhance community through culture. Unlike any organization in the Joplin area, C2C is a respected community arts agency, a champion of the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, and a performing arts presenter. C2C strives to expand audience and resources needed to “ignite a passion for the arts, culture, and entertainment” in the Joplin area.