Wilkes received $2.5 million in funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant which will see to increased accessibility of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts.
“This funding will have a long-term positive impact on Wilkes University and the surrounding community and will better reflect our commitment to modern and inclusive facilities. This results in improved connectivity and accessibility that ultimately enhance the visitor experience,” said Wilkes University President Greg Cant in a News@Wilkes story.
In the story, Cant thanked Sen. Marty Flynn, Sen. John Yudichak, Sen. Lisa Baker, Rep. Aaron Kaufer and Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown. He also recognized Wilkes alumnus Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski. Pashinski spent time in the Darte as a student and he continues to support the university performances.
As the second-largest grant in the university’s history, this grant will allow the university to install ramps, an enhanced entrance, accessible restrooms, seating and parking, as well as improved lobby space and a new interior elevator.
“This project will provide great accessibility to the campus community as well as for the members of the greater Wilkes-Barre community to enjoy programs, lectures and performances offered on the Wilkes campus,” said Charles Cary, executive director of campus support services.
As of now, campus support services will still be working through the construction design process over the next several months. Until this is completed, a timeframe for construction is still to be decided.
The Darte Center is home to and makes possible many productions, performances and lectures from nationally known speakers. Four mainstage productions from the Wilkes Division of Performing Arts are held each year, along with ensemble performances from members of the greater community. Two such productions held this semester have been Clue: On Stage! and a musical retelling of Little Women.
Aari Gould, a senior musical theatre and public history major, analyzed the Darte’s accessibility as part of her disability history course. As part of the project, she found many aspects of the Darte like the upper lobby and the theatre itself to be not very accessible. The Darte also lacks in automatic door buttons.
“The accessible update to the Darte is definitely a very good thing,” said Gould. “It will not only allow more people access to see art on stage, but it will also make the Darte an inclusive space for everyone. And hopefully, it opens up the conversation for a more accessible campus and community.”
This seems to be the case as Cary states that Wilkes is committed to making all of its buildings accessible.
“We are constantly assessing and looking for ways to make improvements to our buildings,” said Cary.