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Join us as we begin THE NEXT STAGE OF THE ARTS.

The UT PAC finished its anniversary season in May 2007 by closing the doors to Bass Concert Hall for an extensive 18-month makeover.  Once the state-of-the-art renovations are complete for our official grand reopening in January 2009, the UT PAC's flagship venue will have a new look both inside and out!

WHAT'S HAPPENING?
As one of the United States' five top university performing arts centers, The University of Texas Performing Arts Center has brought the world's best performing arts to Austin since 1981.  After celebrating its 25th anniversary last season, the UT PAC is on the cusp of setting the bar even higher.

The University of Texas at Austin seeks $25 million in philanthropic support to position the UT PAC as No. 1 among university performing arts centers.  These funds will supplement the center's Endowment for Performing Excellence and will enable major renovations of the UT PAC's oldest and most beloved performing space, Hogg Memorial Auditorium.

The UT PAC hosts more than 500 events annually from the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Canada in a complex that comprises eight theatres: Bass Concert Hall, Hogg Memorial Auditorium, Bates Recital Hall, B. Iden Payne Theatre, McCullough Theatre, Jessen Theatre, Oscar G. Brockett Theatre, and the Laboratory Theatre.  More than 750,000 people attend performances at these venues each year.  The largest, the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Concert Hall, features such internationally renowned artists as violinist Joshua Bell and composer Phillip Glass, as well as blockbuster Broadway shows.  Bass closed in May 2007 to undergo extensive renovations for 18 months.  Designed by Oregon-based BOORA Architects in association with CCS&H Architects of Austin, the new Bass Concert Hall will include acoustical upgrades, interior redesign and expansion, a new plaza design, and more.

HOW WILL THE PROJECT BE FUNDED?
The University has committed $9 million to renovate Bass Concert Hall and the UT PAC has secured a bond to pay for the remaining $5.7 milion.  While the bricks and mortar are funded, the UT PAC will increase fundraising for its programming endowment, the Performing Arts Center Endowment for Performing Excellence.  The endowment is a permanent source of income that makes it possible to bring in world-class artists, create educational programs, provide outreach to surrounding communities, and contribute to The University of Texas curriculum.  The endowment is funded at $10 million, and the University seeks to increase the endowment to $20 million by the time Bass Concert Hall reopens in January 2009, which will require additional philanthropic investment of $10 million.  This support will enable the UT PAC to expand its commitment to education, artistic excellence, and national and international recognition.

WILL THERE BE A SEASON DURING THE CLOSURE?
While this renovation ushers in an exciting next stage for the UT PAC, it also means that we will not present a traditional season of programming during the 2007/2008 season.  However, we will offer a unique slate of fine arts and pop events at our remaining five venues, as well as other exciting locations like the Frank Erwin Center.  We also have a special Broadway package so you won't miss any shows coming to Central Texas!

HOGG MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
With plans for the Bass Concert Hall well under way, the University's priority for the UT PAC moves to securing funding for Hogg Memorial Auditorium.  Hogg Memorial Auditorium was built in 1933 and for many years was the sole home for the performing arts at UT Austin.  With its superior acoustics and Spanish Revival style beauty, Hogg hosted thousands of international touring artists, local arts organizations, and University-student performers.  Restoration of Hogg to its original grandeur will require an investment of $15 million.  One donor has already pledged a $2 million lead gift for planning and design.  When complete, Hogg Memorial Auditorium will be restored to its original decor, with larger lobby spaces, new restrooms, a new green room, acoustical updgrades, an expanded stage, new lighting, comfortable seats, and more.

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