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Which architecture firm will be involved in designing the building?
Haworth Tompkins has been selected to lead the design team that also includes theatrical consultancy firm Charcoalblue and ARC/ Architectural Resources Cambridge.
What is the expected timeline for the new research and performance center in Allston?
With the selection of Haworth Tompkins, the design process will move into its initial planning stages. The university will continue to assess its design, fundraising, and planning needs in the coming months. A site for the new research and performance center has yet to be announced.
The A.R.T. will continue to produce work at the Loeb Drama Center for the next several years while plans develop.
What is the impact of the gift on other areas of the theater, such as the Institute?
The gift we received is specifically for a new facility, one that will serve all of the A.R.T.’s programming, including its undergraduate and postgraduate work. The A.R.T. Institute, our advanced theater training program, is currently on a planned hiatus to develop a strategy for its future.
As a result of this gift, how is the A.R.T. thinking about fundraising?
This transformative gift allows the A.R.T. to begin to plan for a new research and performance center on Harvard’s developing campus in Allston. A concentrated fundraising effort will be needed to fully support this new vision.
How much money needs to be raised?
This gift is just the beginning of this process, and as the vision for a sustainable operating model in a new state-of-the-art facility becomes clear, so too will the financial need.
Will A.R.T. leadership remain the same throughout this process?
Diane Paulus is celebrating her 10th season as the Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director of the A.R.T., and she has committed to at least another five years at the A.R.T. to see her vision for the company’s next chapter realized.
Will the new facility be inclusive of OBERON programming?
While it is too early to know exact plans, it is the A.R.T.’s aspiration that the new facility be inclusive of all A.R.T. programming; this includes A.R.T.’s current OBERON programming structure, as well as the wide-ranging and multidisciplinary work of local producers.
What accessibility will the new facility afford?
We are committed to creating a space that upholds our institutional values: access and inclusion for all patrons, including: Audio Described, Open Captioned, ASL Interpreted, and Sensory Friendly performances; accommodations for low-mobility patrons including, accessible seating and restrooms; and our gender neutral bathroom initiative—all provided in building aligned with Harvard’s rigorous Green Building sustainability standards.