Matt Carvin, Executive Director of the Dreams Center of Wilmington, joined us to talk about the final stretch of creating a performance space on Fanning Street. Dreams is a nationally recognized youth development arts program for youth, with a focus on providing performing and visual art instruction to underserved communities. Over the past 2 years, Dreams moved into the renovated warehouse on the North side of downtown Wilmington. The final leg of the project is the completion of a multi-use warehouse connected to the program: The Garage.
The Garage is already in use-Dreams students put on a show in the space just last week. The only thing missing is infrastructure to use the space as a fully-functioning performance venue, which will allow the multi-use facility to serve not only the students, but other groups in the community. Theatrical lights, sound, curtains, and a stage are the final touches Carvin is looking forward to installing.
The campaign to raise the needed funds got a major boost from Live Oak Bank: The Live Oak Challenge. Live Oak has offered up to $25,000 in matching funds for donations made to The Garage through February 14, 2016. That's Valentine's Day-and Carvin says this is an appropriate deadline for such a loving gesture.
The Vice Chairman of Live Oak Bank, Lee Williams, says he hopes this Challenge will be the final push needed to firmly establish the Dreams program in its new space. Read more about the Dreams program and The Garage fundraiser. Listen to Matt Carvin talk about the project below.
