Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek expands access to local groups with a focus on youth
Buckman/Blount Community Use Fund seeks to develop the next generation of performing artists and audiences
Since its opening in 1998, the Vilar Performing Arts Center has sought to be both a performance space for legendary artists and a place where artistry is cultivated.
Opening the center’s doors to local artists and performers is made possible, in large part, thanks to the Buckman/Blount Community Use Fund, which was created in 1997 by Robert and Joyce Mollerup Buckman and Red Blount. Those donors felt strongly that the fund was needed to develop the next generation of performing artists and audiences.
The fund’s guidelines have now been updated to ensure greater access to the performing arts center.
The Buckman/Blount Community Use Fund underwrites the majority of production costs of the center for youth, children, schools and community performing arts groups, in that priority. In addition to increasing the level of funding available to local organizations for facility usage, the fund is now able to support organizations that present programming aimed at increasing performance attendance and engagement at the center by youth and their parents or guardians.
“We hope to inspire the next generation of theatergoers and performers by providing access to the Vilar Performing Arts Center through this fund,” Bob Buckman said in a news release. “We have the opportunity to develop local youth through the performing arts, and we believe that sharing our passion for the performing arts will enhance our community and our world.”
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Without such funding, many community groups could not afford to use the Vilar Performing Arts Center. Annah Scully, founder of the Vail Performing Arts Academy, was an early recipient of the fund.
“Giving young performers the opportunity to perform on a stage like that is life-changing!” Scully said.
Many former locals who benefitted from performing on the Vilar stage can attest to the positive effect of the experience. Serena Kosuzko and Jonathan Windham both grew up in the valley and got their start on the Vilar stage. Kosuzko is now living and performing in New York City and said the center has a huge reach: “People I work with in New York know about this not-so-hidden gem,” she said.
Windham’s journey has taken him abroad to dance in numerous locations, but he credits the Vilar Performing Arts Center with sparking his desire to perform.
“It was so amazing and inspiring to see such a diverse program being performed on that stage,” Windham said of his first time as an audience member. “Then, getting to be up there myself was incredible,” he added.
To qualify for funding, a requesting organization must demonstrate a need, including submission of a balance sheet and a current proposed organizational budget.
Groups seeking funding must also solicit donations and underwriters on behalf of the community fund to ensure the continuation of community events at the center. Additionally, if tuition is paid by community performers, such tuition benefits must be explained, and scholarships to two Eagle County students who would otherwise be unable to participate must be provided.
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Additionally, performers should be mainly youth and children. There are additional facility use and youth development funding criteria, along with reporting requirements to ensure the awards are distributed to ensure the fund’s intent: developing local youth through the performing arts.
For more information about the Buckman/Blount Community Use Fund, or to apply for funding, email Vilar Performing Arts Center Executive Director Cameron Morgan at cmorgan@vvf.org.
For more information about the Vilar Performing Arts Center schedule or to purchase tickets, go to vilarpac.org or call 970-845-8497.
