About

Our Vision and Mission

Vision

Our vision is to create a world-class performing arts center that serves as a cultural cornerstone for the Tri-Cities, inspiring creativity and connection. The Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center will enrich lives, foster community engagement, and be a catalyst for artistic growth and economic development.

Mission

Our mission is to build and operate the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center; a vibrant, state-of-the-art facility for artistic expression and innovation. We strive to enhance cultural access and quality of life for the community, promote economic vitality, and support local arts organizations to collaborate, grow, and thrive.

WHY

The Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center Matters

With over 300,000 residents, the Tri-Cities is one of Washington State’s largest metropolitan areas—but it lacks a dedicated performing arts center. This absence limits access to diverse cultural experiences, stifles the growth of local talent, and forces many residents to travel outside the region for arts and cultural events. The Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center is the solution our community needs.

Enriching our Community

The Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center will:
  • Support Performing Artists: Provide a professional venue where local, national and international performers can showcase their talents, engage with audiences, create memorable experiences and thrive.
  • Enhance Education: Offer students opportunities to participate in performances, attend educational programs, and explore career pathways in the arts.
  • Foster Cultural Connection: Create a central hub for plays, concerts, festivals, and more, bringing people together and strengthening community bonds.

Boosting the Local Economy

Investing in the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center isn’t just about the arts—it’s about economic growth:
  • Tourism: Attract visitors from across the region, generating increased spending on food, lodging, and shopping.
  • Job Creation: Provide employment opportunities during construction and ongoing operations.
  • Business Growth: Support local businesses by driving foot traffic and creating a vibrant cultural district near the REACH Museum.

Improving Quality of Life

A dedicated performing arts center will enhance the daily lives of Tri-Cities residents by:
  • Offering affordable, high-quality cultural experiences close to home.
  • Creating a comfortable, accessible venue with excellent acoustics, ample parking, and a welcoming environment.
  • Building a cultural legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Strong Community Support

A 2024 survey of 1,400 residents showed overwhelming support, with 78% in favor of constructing a performing arts center. Tri-Cities residents expressed a desire for:
  • Plays, musical and cultural performances, dance, festivals, and film screenings.
  • Affordable tickets and a comfortable environment.
  • A venue designed specifically to meet the needs of local and touring groups.

What to expect

At the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center

The Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center will feature an ~800-seat theater with professional acoustics, a flexible community room for intimate events and educational programs, a spacious lobby for gatherings and exhibits, and a dedicated food and beverage area. Designed for comfort and versatility, this state-of-the-art facility will be the perfect space for performances, community events, and more.

See the vision in action

A Similar Performing Arts Center in Port Angeles, WA

Discover the possibilities for the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center by exploring a similar project designed by LMN Architects. This video highlights the Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles—a stunning facility that shares our vision for enriching the community through arts and culture.

LMN Architects, the same team behind our conceptual designs for the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center, designed the Field Arts & Events Hall to support local arts organizations and serve as a community gathering place. It’s a wonderful demonstration of how thoughtful design can elevate a community’s arts, culture, and creative spirit.

Watch the video to see how their work in Port Angeles reflects the vision for our own performing arts center—modern, welcoming, and community-focused. Imagine the possibilities for the Tri-Cities!

Location

Strategically Located for Maximum Impact

The Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center will be situated in Columbia Park West, a prime location near the REACH Museum with breathtaking views of the Columbia River. This central spot is easily accessible for residents from across the Tri-Cities region, making it an ideal gathering place for arts, culture, and community events.

The location aligns with the City of Richland’s master plan to develop Columbia Park West into a vibrant cultural hub. By placing the center near the REACH Museum, the project creates a synergy between two cornerstone institutions, fostering a rich and dynamic cultural district for the entire region to enjoy.

With its scenic surroundings and strategic placement, the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center will be more than just a venue—it will be a landmark destination for performances, festivals, and community engagement in the Tri-Cities.

Our Community

Supports the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center

Together

We can Make the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center a Reality

Be part of this transformative project that will enrich our community, support local arts, and enhance the quality of life in the Tri-Cities. Every action counts—whether it’s sharing your support, volunteering your time, or making a contribution. Together, we can create a lasting legacy for generations to come.