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Kirkland Performance Center seeks final funds for $4.5M renovation campaign; reports 60,000 annual visitors
Summary
Kirkland Performance Center (KPC) told the council it has raised $3.8 million toward a $4.5 million Elevate KPC campaign to update seats, rigging, stage deck and audio-visual systems. KPC leaders described a regional program mix and expansion of arts education through KPC Studios.
Kirkland Performance Center Executive Director Jeff Lockhart updated the City Council on Jan. 21 on the theater’s operations, community role and a capital campaign to modernize the 1998 facility.
Lockhart said KPC now presents about 285 performances a year (roughly 50 presented shows and 235 rentals), attracts about 60,000 visitors annually and that 75% of operating revenue comes from rentals. KPC reported that 54% of donors and 74% of presented-season attendees come from Kirkland; the remainder come from the Eastside and the Puget Sound region.
KPC described a $4.5 million Elevate KPC capital campaign to replace auditorium seats, upgrade rigging and stage infrastructure, modernize the electrical grid and improve audience amenities. Lockhart said the campaign had secured $3.8 million in commitments, including state funding and city support, and that the organization was working to raise the remaining funds. KPC also highlighted KPC Studios, a new dedicated arts-education facility, and described outreach such as discounted tickets for teens and free or discounted programming for families and seniors.
Councilmembers praised KPC as a community asset and asked questions about the campaign and naming opportunities; KPC board members and staff attended the study session. Lockhart said the renovations would increase the venue’s technical capacity and community engagement, and that the campaign is the largest renovation since the theater opened in 1998. The council offered no formal action but voiced support for the campaign and the center’s education initiatives.
