City looking into venue's future before maybe operating facility
By city of Surprise
Posted 10/1/24
The city of Surprise is studying the future of The Vista Center for the Arts as the school district that runs it tries to move away from producing professional arts programing.
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Community
Study to focus on needs for The Vista in Surprise
City looking into venue's future before maybe operating facility
Ryan McGinley/DUSD
The Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise.
Posted
The Vista is a beautiful performance space that has brought many exciting arts and cultural performances to our city.”
Chris Judd | Surprise city councilmember
By city of Surprise
The city of Surprise is studying the future of The Vista Center for the Arts as the school district that runs it tries to move away from producing professional arts programing.
Surprise has engaged TheatreDNA and Assembly Arts to conduct a facility assessment and strategic business operations review of The Vista, which Dysart Unified School District has historically operated with support from nonprofit The Vista Foundation.
The study is looking to determine the capital improvements required if the city decides to take over operations of the facility.
“The Vista is a beautiful performance space that has brought many exciting arts and cultural performances to our City,” City Councilmember Chris Judd said. “The city is happy to partner with Dysart and the Foundation on this study in support of our residents. This assessment gives us the opportunity to fine-tune the strategy of the space by tailoring programming to our residents’ desires and exploring ways to capture tourism dollars as a benefit to our entire community.”
The Vista became a professional venue to host international acts right before COVID-19 hit. Acts such as Jeff Foxworthy, the Drifters, Sara Evans and more have entertained local crowds in the last half-decade.
But the complexity in managing the The Vista has grown, leading DUSD to evaluate operations and recalibrate the venue’s future.
The city is interviewing local arts and civic leaders, touring venues across the Valley and taking community feedback through a digital survey, town halls and in-person events.
“As an integral part of the Dysart Unified School District, The Vista Center for the Arts has been a cherished venue for our students and the broader Surprise community, offering a diverse array of cultural and artistic experiences,” DUSD Superintendent John Croteau said. “This effort will help us ensure that The Vista continues to serve as a hub for education, arts, and culture, while meeting the evolving needs of our growing community.”
One of the first points of community engagement is an online survey. This survey seeks to gather input on preferences of events, facility amenities and entertainment, as well as the community’s desire to purchase tickets to these types of events.
The survey is available through Nov. 8 at surpriseaz.gov/VistaStudy.
“We are excited to help shape the future of The Vista,” said Jon Cavaletto, founding board member of The Vista Foundation. “Our mission is to support performing and visual arts while fostering culture, diversity, entertainment and education in the West Valley through The Vista Center for the Arts.”
While in the process of this study, patrons will still be able to enjoy performances at The Vista by the West Valley Symphony, Surprise Pops Band, student performances and outside rentals.
The final report and recommendations of the study are expected to be provided in early 2025.
TheatreDNA and Assembly Arts, with assistance from Cost + Plus, is leading the feasibility study.
TheatreDNA is a Los Angeles-based theater consulting firm that informs and empowers owners and architects through every step of the venue planning, design and construction process so they have the expertise to create superb performance venues. TheatreDNA principals and staff have contributed to the feasibility, design, and equipping of more than 350 performing arts facilities from small studio theatres to large performing arts centers throughout the world.
Assembly Arts is a research and consulting firm that specializes in market studies, strategic business planning, and creative placemaking. Assembly Arts brings together arts institutions, cities, universities and the community to identify shared values and build community resources that enable artistic expression, municipal growth, social equity and human belonging.
Cost + Plus is a professional firm dedicated to providing cost modeling and management services for cultural facility projects worldwide.
