Photo: Hines, Aaron
MANSFIELD – Aug. 22, 2024 – The Richland Academy of the Arts (RAA), a non-profit organization providing arts education and performance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, is launching a public campaign to raise $3.7 million for the renovation and modernization of its historic downtown Mansfield buildings. The campaign, titled Empower the Arts (ETA), aims to create inspiring and functional spaces for the RAA's diverse programs in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and martial arts.
Aging Buildings and Increased Demand
Located in the heart of downtown Mansfield, the RAA provides arts education and performance opportunities for more than 2,000 students across Richland, Ashland, Crawford, Knox, Huron, Licking, Marion, Morrow, and Wayne counties. The RAA, which has not pursued capital funding in more than 25 years, operates in historic buildings that are over 90 years old and no longer adequate to support the RAA's diverse and expanding programs.
On top of that, Dr. Michael Benson, the executive director of the RAA, said that the demand for services is growing because private and public schools are reducing emphasis on arts education while more parents are choosing to home-school kids. “This campaign is a critical step to ensure the future of arts education and culture in the region. For over 33 years, the RAA has been a leader and a partner in providing high-quality arts education and experiences for our community. We have outgrown our current facilities, and we need to upgrade them to meet the growing demand and the changing needs of our students, families and community members.”
Enhancing the Downtown Area
During the 2023-2024 school year, class registrations grew by six percent, student enrollment increased by eleven percent, and the total number of classes offered increased by nine percent. In addition to creating new classroom space, the modernization and renovation plan also calls for expensive upgrades to antiquated electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
“The Richland Academy is committed to staying in our downtown location and to supporting redevelopment of the city,” said Benson. “This campaign is our opportunity to empower the arts and contribute to the revitalization and development of Mansfield.”
“To keep downtowns vibrant, successful businesses are needed, including non-profit organizations like Richland Academy of the Arts,” said Lee Tasseff, President-Destination Mansfield. “The Academy has been an integral part of our revitalizing downtown for over three decades. Seeing it grow and develop means the continuation of better things to come for downtown.”
Jennifer Kime of Downtown Mansfield Inc. agrees that the growth and development of businesses and organizations in downtown Mansfield have a ripple effect on the economic stability and resilience of the region. “The vitality and community connectivity that spur from downtown nonprofit organizations like RAA bring an enhanced quality of life for children and their families. Downtown Mansfield Inc. is thrilled to be a partner and supporter of RAA and looks forward to the organization’s ongoing growth as a downtown anchor institution.”
The RAA has already raised $1 million in the last three months from private donors, the State of Ohio, and foundations. It is now seeking the support of the public to reach its goal. The campaign will run through December 2024, and donations can be made online at www.richlandacademy.com or by mail to the RAA at 75 N. Walnut St., Mansfield, OH 44902.