Connect2Culture (C2C) and Spiva Center for the Arts (Spiva) hosted The Cornell Complex Launch Party on Monday, June 3, 2019 on the Memorial Hall parking lot. The event, attracting over 175 in attendance, brought together city and state officials, donors, arts and cultural organizations, and citizens in support of the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex. There, C2C and Spiva announced they had exceeded the $14 million amount needed to fulfill the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Joplin and move forward with the project. Cash received was reported totaling $5,132,783. Pledges from 192 individuals, businesses, foundations, and groups totaled $14,658,216.
Fundamental donors for major aspects of the complex were recognized and honored, including: Harry M. Cornell (lead gift/naming rights), Dr. Lance and Sharon Beshore (Connect2Culture Performance Hall), Freeman Health System (Spiva Main Galleries), Leggett & Platt Incorporated (Festival Plaza/Amphitheater), Crossland Construction Company (Third Floor Rooftop Terrace Venue), and Harry M. Cornell (Spiva Permanent Collection Gallery).
Letters of intent were also signed by both the architects (DLR Group and Corner Greer and Associates) and the construction manager (Crossland Construction Company) for the project.
When completed, the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex will be a state-of-the-art facility with a modern performance hall, outdoor amphitheater, stunning rooftop terrace, and community spaces. It will also become a home for Connect2Culture and a new home for Spiva Center for the Arts.
Efforts to reach the ultimate goal of $16 million has spurred momentum and the creation of a month-long crowdfunding effort. Additionally, thanks to an anonymous donor, gifts received during this limited time will be matched (i.e. $10 = $20, $50 = $100, etc.). It is hoped that many more donors, contributing gifts of all sizes, will get involved at this time to take advantage of the match. Those interested in helping create a home for the arts in Joplin are encouraged to give now at https://cfozarks.org/cornellcomplex.
