As the new West Jordan Community Arts and Events Center reaches completion, the Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan is asking for donations for finishing touches.

Stage lights will be sponsored by community members who purchase seats, which will be inscribed with the donor's name, allowing them to “forever be part of West Jordan’s arts legacy.”

“The Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan is inviting the public to purchase a seat in the new Arts Building as a part of our ‘Light the Room’ campaign — it is a great opportunity to support the local community and the very talented artists who will perform at the new venue,” said Rachel O'Crowley, CASWJ president. “I think it is a wonderful venue and I cannot thank the West Jordan City Council, the mayor, Salt Lake County, SIRQ Construction and all of the donors who have supported the efforts in getting this building erected enough! 

“It truly takes an entire community to make this happen,” she said.

One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will go towards the new lighting in the center which will serve the Literary Arts Society of West Jordan, Sugar Factory Playhouse, West Jordan City Jazz Band, West Jordan Community Band, West Jordan Symphony, West Jordan Visual Arts and West Jordan Youth Theater.

As of March 31 at noon, $19,050 of the $75,000 goal was raised with the purchase of more than 15 general and seven premier seats, along with five arts patron and West Jordan patron sponsorships.

Prices for seats range from $250 to $500, while sponsorships range from $1,000 to $5,000, per the donation page. But any donation amount is tax-deductible and anyone is welcome to contribute any amount to the lighting.

West Jordan City Councilmember Kayleen Whitelock bought two general seats.

“I have always enjoyed the arts and feel they contribute to a well-rounded populace,” she said. “Enjoying the arts allows us to see the world in more diverse ways.”

She also said that fundraising or “individuals contributing” like this, in her opinion, is “the best funding source for the arts.”

Another donor who bought an arts patron sponsorship said he’s glad to support “opportunities for the community to come together as a team.”

"I appreciate arts organizations, like CASWJ, that provide opportunities for the community to come together as a team to create something greater than any individual contributor could accomplish alone,” arts patron sponsorship donor Eric J. Bowden said. “They demonstrate a commitment to the notion that ‘arts’ aren't just picked up and left behind in high school, but something that can be continually developed through a lifetime of engagement!"

The center has been under construction for a year, since the second groundbreaking in April 2024. Construction was started in 2017 and was halted due to a lack of funds from the city and again in 2020 when COVID-19 hit.

The new arts center is on schedule for a grand opening this summer, and O’Crowley invites the public to “attend and/or participate in the upcoming performances.”

“A dark stage is just a space, but with your help, it will become a vibrant center for music, theater and community events,” reads the campaign. “Your donation ensures that every performance shines, and your name will forever be part of West Jordan’s arts legacy.”

More information about “Light the Room” can be found at https://www.wjarts.org/light-the-room.

Read previous coverage about the West Jordan Community and Arts Center online at westjordanjournal.com. λ