A Milestone Celebration for The Grand Lyric Theater
September 26, 2024: The historic Old Walnut Street campus, home to Louisville Central Community Centers (LCCC), was recently filled with excitement as it celebrated a momentous achievement: securing $1.5 million in funding for the completion of The Grand Lyric Theater. Community leaders, stakeholders, and members gathered to reflect on the project\’s significance in revitalizing West Louisville through the power of the arts.
Dr. Valerie Washington, LCCC’s Program and Customer Relations Committee Chair, welcomed everyone to this public announcement and emphasized the importance of beginning with a prayer. She expressed gratitude for the realization of the vision behind the project, invoking divine presence and guidance for the evening’s proceedings.
In his opening remarks, Kevin Fields, President and CEO of LCCC, expressed gratitude and a shared vision. “This is historic… we first broke ground here at this site in 1999 to set up our headquarters, and we claimed a vision for “Old Walnut Street” to be a catalyst for economic transformation. Here we are… approaching 25 years, and that vision has truly come to pass.”
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Launched in 2019, the Grand Lyric Theater project faced delays, largely due to funding challenges and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the community\’s determination remained strong. The project’s success is grounded in the belief in the arts as a transformative force. Dr. Anna M. Smith, Board Chair of LCCC, passionately highlighted the power of arts in shaping young lives. “The transformative power of arts on children and the benefits of a new theater for the community cannot be overstated,” she said.
Support & Investments
The announcement of the funding was marked by gratitude towards key political figures. Special thanks were extended to Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (R, KY-25) and Senator Gerald Neal (D, KY-33) for their bipartisan collaboration and relentless support in securing the necessary funding.
Senator Neal praised the LCCC\’s impact on the community and reflected on his collaborative relationship with Senator Stivers that enabled this achievement. Senator Stivers recounted personal anecdotes exemplifying the broad societal value of the arts, including the Louisville Orchestra performances in small towns, highlighting the need for arts funding in the state budget.
Economic Impact and Community Revitalization
Senator Neal also emphasized the theater’s broader impact on the local economy. “The Grand Lyric Theater is not just an arts venue; it’s a significant community asset. It will stimulate local business, create jobs, attract visitors, and support the economic revitalization of West Louisville,” Neal remarked.
Senator Stivers echoed this sentiment, sharing his personal connection to the arts and their role in shaping communities. “My mother was a staunch proponent of early exposure to the arts, so I had a unique appreciation for what that provides at a very young age,” said Stivers. “This funding from your General Assembly will be transformative for the local Russell community and the next generation of artists there and in the surrounding West Louisville neighborhoods.”
A Technological and Cultural Hub
The Grand Lyric’s design is both innovative and accessible, equipped with advanced multimedia capabilities and offering free parking—making it a unique alternative to downtown venues. Kevin Fields described the venue as “a laboratory for creativity” and a space where young people can explore and experiment through programs like LCCC’s Kids Art Academy.
Community Performances and Future Vision
The celebration included performances and heartfelt testimonials that underscored the importance of the Grand Lyric Theater. McDaniel Blouitt of the West Louisville Boys and Girls Choir delivered an inspiring performance, while LCCC Board member Floyd Smith praised the theater’s potential and commended Kevin Fields’ leadership.
In closing, Fields invited attendees to tour the partially completed theater, offering a glimpse of its state-of-the-art rehearsal spaces and facilities designed to foster creativity.
Charles Booker, a prominent community leader, also spoke about the theater\’s role in shaping the future. “This platform supports art and community identity,” Booker said. “I am excited about the future initiatives and developments that lie ahead.”
Looking Ahead
As the Grand Lyric Theater nears completion in the next eight months, it symbolizes the power of community action and the central role of arts in building a brighter future for west Louisville. It will stand as a cultural beacon, drawing from the rich history of the area and inspiring generations to come.