Central Oregon Center for the Arts | Frequently Asked Questions
The Vision:
Q: Why are we doing this? What will COCA’s success look like?
A: Central Oregon is growing rapidly, yet it lacks a modern, purpose-built facility that can accommodate the region’s expanding arts community. The COCA Board believes it’s time to create a home for the performing and visual arts, one that brings together music, theater, dance, visual arts, education and community events under one roof.
Success will be measured by the opening of a state-of-the-art performing arts center that serves the cultural and creative needs of our region, supports local talent and strengthens the community through shared experiences.
Q: Why does Central Oregon need a dedicated performing arts center?
A: Simply put, demand has outgrown capacity. Our local arts organizations are vibrant and active, but most of them are performing in venues that are too small, overbooked or not designed for audience comfort, professional acoustics and stage production.
A dedicated center will:
- Provide modern comfort and convenience for audiences and performers
- Provide local groups the space and technical capability they need to thrive
- Allow touring performances and larger productions to come to Central Oregon
- Serve as a cultural and educational hub for artists, students and audiences
- Strengthen our economy by attracting visitors and cultural tourism
Q: How do we know that Central Oregon needs this facility?
A: A comprehensive feasibility study conducted by the COCA Board and the Arts Consulting Group, a nationwide specialty organization focused on the arts, confirmed widespread community and organizational support for the project. The study found that the demand for performance and rehearsal space far exceeds current capacity and that local groups, audiences and civic leaders all recognize the need for a large, modern, purpose-built arts facility.
Q: Is COCA a nonprofit organization?
A: Yes. The Central Oregon Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Tax ID: 83-4523995
Q: Q: What kind of programming will COCA present?
A: Programming will span the full range of artistic expression, from ballet slippers to cowboy boots, opera to bluegrass, theater to jazz, film to visual arts exhibitions. The center will be designed to welcome diverse audiences and performances, reflecting the full cultural spectrum of our community.
Q: Will community organizations be able to use COCA’s facilities?
A: Absolutely. One of COCA’s primary goals is to provide a home for local arts organizations and a gathering space for the broader community. The facility will host performances, rehearsals, workshops, educational programs and community events.
The Facility
Q: Where will COCA be located?
A: The location has not been determined. COCA currently is engaged in a Site Evaluation Analysis that involves studying multiple potential sites in collaboration with professional planners. This analysis ensures that the chosen location will best serve Central Oregon’s needs for accessibility, community connection and long-term growth. Potential locations are not being announced just yet.
Q: What is the Site Evaluation Analysis?
A: The Site Evaluation Analysis is a detailed study that examines each potential site’s suitability and how the COCA facility might fit on each proposed site. It considers factors such as land availability, infrastructure, access, environmental sustainability and cost. The study will conclude with a report to the COCA Board enumerating findings and recommendations.
Q: How large will COCA be and what will it include?
A: Based on the results of our studies, COCA likely will include:
- A main performance hall designed for optimal acoustics and audience experience
- A black box theater for flexible and experimental performances
- Dedicated rehearsal, classroom and storage spaces
Spaces for visual arts, exhibitions and community gatherings. Final seating capacity, dimensions and design details will be refined during the next project phase
Q: What will COCA look like?
A: COCA’s design will reflect the spirit of Central Oregon: It will be modern, warm, comfortable and deeply connected to its natural surroundings. The design and architecture will embody sustainability and accessibility, ensuring the Center feels both inspiring and welcoming to all.
Q: Who will design and build COCA?
A: The COCA Board is collaborating with a team of theater experts, including Mortenson Construction, Opsis Architecture and The Shalleck Collaborative, for planning and pre-design studies.
Funding & Next Steps
Q: What’s next for the project?
A: COCA is currently advancing through its Site Evaluation Analysis while preparing for Phase 3: Concept Design, which will bring this vision to life through architectural renderings, site plans and a compelling narrative for donors and the community at large. At the conclusion of Phase 3: Concept Design, COCA will have established a site and will know the proposed cost of the facility. With that information in hand, COCA will undertake a capital campaign designed to finance the construction of the Central Oregon Center for the Arts.
Q: How will COCA be funded?
A: The project will be financed through a combination of philanthropic gifts, grants, corporate sponsorship, and community fundraising. During the Concept Design phase, COCA will begin an expanded fundraising effort to support this stage and build momentum toward full construction funding.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: A final project cost will be determined during the Concept Design phase, once the site and design details are established. The priority at this stage is to develop accurate cost estimates to guide responsible and transparent fundraising.
Q: Who will operate COCA once it’s open?
A: The Center will be operated by a professional staff overseen by the COCA Board of Directors. This team will manage programming, operations and community partnerships to ensure the Central Oregon Center for the Arts thrives as a creative and sustainable regional asset.
Community & Involvement
Q: How can I get involved?
A: There are many ways to support COCA’s mission:
- Join our mailing list for updates and announcements
- Follow COCA on social media
- Attend community events to learn more so that you can share the vision with others
- Donate to help bring this project to life. Every bit of support, from advocacy to philanthropy, helps move COCA closer to reality
Q: How can arts organizations or local businesses get involved?
A: COCA is actively connecting with local arts groups, schools and businesses to explore partnerships and collaborative opportunities. Organizations interested in learning more can contact us directly for updates or to discuss how they might participate in shaping this important community resource.
Q: When will COCA open?
A: While the final timeline will depend on fundraising, site selection and construction realities, the COCA Board is working toward a grand opening in 2029. Every phase of this project, including research, design and fundraising, brings us one step closer to that goal.
Have a question? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to the COCA team at: info@cocarts.org.
