Hoogland Center for the Arts

==Hoogland Center for the Arts== The '''Hoogland Center for the Arts''' is a non-profit community arts center located in the heart of downtown Springfield, Illinois. Occupying an 80,000 square foot facility at 420 South Sixth Street, the center serves as a vibrant cultural hub for the region. The building, which was originally the home of the Masonic Temple, has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1909, with a significant expansion in 1960. ===History=== The Hoogland Center's story begins with the construction of the Masonic Temple in 1909, which served the International Order of Masons. By 1960, the growth of the Masonic Order necessitated an expansion, resulting in the building's current size and a modernized facade. In 1988, Kay Feurer, the Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Council, envisioned the potential of the old Masonic Temple as a community arts center. A feasibility study was conducted, but the idea seemed unattainable at the time. However, in 1999, Mayor Karen Hasara's Springfield 2020 committee prioritized the creation of a downtown arts home, which led to the building being put up for sale by the Masons in 2001. Thanks to the generosity of Carolyn Oxtoby and Stephen Bartholf, the building was purchased, and the not-for-profit organization Springfield Arts Center, Inc. embarked on transforming it into the Hoogland Center for the Arts. The Illinois Arts Council provided funds for planning, and in 2002, the State of Illinois awarded a $5.5 million grant for renovations. Renovations began in January 2003, and the center opened its doors on December 31, 2003, during the First Night celebration. In 2004, Charles and Kay Hoogland made a major contribution, leading to the building being named in their honor. The center reached a financial milestone on December 17, 2015, when it made its final mortgage payment. The Hoogland Center has hosted numerous significant events, including a visit by President Barack Obama in 2016. The COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 forced a temporary closure, but the center used this period to make improvements to the facility, including new HVAC and lighting systems. It reopened in July 2021 and continued to serve the community. On December 31, 2023, the Hoogland Center for the Arts celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of fostering the arts in central Illinois. ===Mission and Vision=== The Hoogland Center for the Arts aims to be a nurturing environment for creative arts and education, serving as a cultural hub for performances, programs, and events. Its mission is to engage and welcome diverse audiences, support resident organizations, provide quality entertainment and creative opportunities, inspire and educate children, advocate for artists, and encourage innovative collaborations. ===Facilities and Programs=== The center houses three theatrical spaces, a dance studio, art galleries, a dining room, banquet space, and various offices, rehearsal spaces, and meeting rooms. It is home to several resident organizations, including performing and visual arts groups, civic clubs, and private businesses. The Hoogland Center offers educational opportunities for youth through its own education program, which began in 2012, aimed at fostering a love for the performing arts among children. The Hoogland Center for the Arts is a testament to the power of community vision and the importance of the arts in enriching the quality of life. It stands as a beacon for cultural engagement and artistic expression in Springfield and the surrounding areas.