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Whidbey Island
Center
for the Arts (WICA) was built in 1995
as a small community performing arts center for
Whidbey Island
.
The initial construction was known as Stage One, assuming
some expansion or remodeling would take place in the future.
The intervening 11 years have seen WICA evolve into a major
arts destination within the Islands as well as in the
Puget
Sound
region.
As Island communities have grown, there has been an
enormous increase in the organization’s frequency and
variety of arts programming, and the Center has gone from
purely a presenting house - where outside shows come in
for a few nights, play, and leave – to a full-scale producing
house where theatrical performances are rehearsed, directed,
designed and built within the Center’s walls. In the past decade,
WICA has presented a rich and diverse array of programs:
Theatre Series productions, music concerts, dance, Family
Series events, DjangoFest NW, performances of local and
off-island artists, and limited adult and student educational
opportunities - all the result of WICA’s dedication to bringing
the community high quality performing arts and arts education.
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It was a dream that became a reality 11 years ago when the
community built this Center. The full vision was modified to
make affordable the first stage of spaces. Now that the
community has experienced such enjoyable engagement with
WICA, it is time to complete the facility with the second stage
of building spaces. We are bursting at the seams!
This project will allow for cultural programming for youth and
adults not possible in the present building, as well as provide
additional space to adequately support and grow current
performances and community activities.
PLACE Architects has listened carefully and designed
additional spaces that will reflect the community, and will be
inviting for both the audiences and the cultural opportunities
that abound on this island.”
Pam Schell, Stage Two Campaign Chair
George Henny, Stage Two Campaign Chair
Carol Ryan, Stage Two Campaign Chair
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