Midland Center for the Arts

Last updated

Midland Center for the Arts, Inc.
AbbreviationMCFTA
FoundedApril 19, 1966;59 years ago (1966-04-19) [1]
FounderJohn E. Riecker, Dr. Shailer L. Bass
TypeEducational 501(c)(3)
38-6114020 [2]
Location
Coordinates 43°37′24″N84°14′55″W / 43.6232°N 84.2485°W / 43.6232; -84.2485
Originshome for six arts organizations
Area served
Central Michigan
Key people
Matt Travis, President & CEO
Kelley Kritzman, CFO [3]
Revenue$10.9 million (2023) [2]
Expenses$10.6 million (2023) [2]
Endowment $120 million (2023) [2]
Employees118 [2]
Volunteers727 [2]
Midland Center for the Arts
Midland-Center-For-The-Arts.jpg
OwnerMidland Center for the Arts
OperatorMidland Center for the Arts
BuiltJuly 1968 to January 1, 1971
Architect Alden B. Dow
InauguratedMay 1971
OpenedDecember 5, 1970 (1970-12-05)
Renovated2023-2025
Renovation costs: $47 million
Theatre seating
400 seats
Enclosed space
  Total space200,000 square feet (19,000 m2)
  Exhibit hall floor4th floor
  Breakout/meeting97 seat Lecture-Recital room
  Ballroom1,500 seat Auditorium
Website
Official Website

The Midland Center for the Arts (MCFTA) is a performing arts center and museum complex located at 1801 Saint Andrews Street in Midland, Michigan. Situated in Discovery Square along Eastman Avenue, it was originally the home for the Midland Arts Council, Midland Little Theatre Guild, Midland Music Society, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Midland County Historical Society and Midland Community Concert Society. [4] The facility includes two performance venues, two museums, art studios, lecture halls and a historical campus.

Contents

History

Organizations

The member groups at the center are the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art, Center Stage Choirs, Center Stage Theatre, MATRIX:Midland, Midland County Historical Society and Midland Symphony Orchestra.

The design and history of the building includes some of Alden B. Dow's architecture throughout.

Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art

The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art focuses on the visual arts and science and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The museum features a hands-on Hall of Ideas and changing exhibitions in the 14,000 sq. ft of gallery space, including traveling exhibitions. The museum also offers classes, family days, community outreach programs, art fairs and special events.

Midland County Historical Society

The Midland County Historical Society operates the 1874 Bradley Home and the Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum in Heritage Park.

The Society also operates the Doan History Center, officially known as the Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center. The Center includes a hands-on gallery of interactive exhibits of Midland County history, a history research library and an archival collection of Midland County artifacts. [5]

Alden B. Dow Creativity Center

Part of Northwood University, it focuses on integrating creativity and free enterprise to foster innovation and new business opportunities. The Center also incorporates elements of Alden B. Dow's architectural philosophy and his "Way of Life Cycle".

Performance Series

Venues

Auditorium

The 1,500-seat Auditorium is used throughout our season for theatrical and choral performances, concerts and lectures.

Little Theatre

The 400-seat Little Theater is used for theatrical performances, lectures and other events. It offers audiences close-up, intimate experiences.

See also

References

  1. Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: Midland Center for the Arts dedication 1971". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Midland Center For The Arts Inc". propublica.org. ProPublica. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  3. "MCFTA Staff Directory". midlandcenter.org. Midland Center for the Arts. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  4. "MCFTA History". midlandcenter.org. Midland Center for the Arts. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  5. "Midland Center For The Arts Tries To Preserve Historical Documents After The Floods". NPR News. May 26, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  6. Spohn, Sarah. "Midland Center for the Arts reveals lineup for upcoming performing arts season". secondwavemedia.com. Issue Media Group. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  7. "World Art and Music". midlandcenter.org. Midland Center for the Arts. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  8. "Midland Symphony Orchestra". orchestraplan.com. OrchestraPLAN. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  9. "Center Stage Theatre". gogreat.com. Go Great Lakes Bay. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  10. Lillard, Carly. "MATRIX series continues to entertain at Midland Center for the Arts for nearly 50 years". secondwavemedia.com. Issue Media Group. Retrieved July 4, 2025.