Plans to combine theater, music, dance, digital media and art in a Center for the Arts at New Mexico State University are moving ahead.

The 2007 State Legislature gave $480,000 to NMSU to help pay for the design of the center and to help build “performance laboratories,” says Michael Rickenbaker, university architect and director of facilities planning and construction.

The first phase of the project is expected to cost about $37.5 million, Rickenbaker says.

“The proposed center is a great opportunity for the university to provide a doorway through which to invite the community to the campus,” says Ammu Devasthali, a member of the center’s steering committee. “The community in turn has the opportunity to participate in a project that can potentially become one of the biggest attractions this city can offer, providing a wonderful way to promote the arts throughout southern New Mexico.”

“It will take the entire community to make this project a reality,” adds Sally Cutter, another committee member.

Waded Cruzado-Salas, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, calls the center “a transformational project that will enrich NMSU, Las Cruces and the state of New Mexico.”

“The center will provide an open, accessible environment where students, faculty, staff and community members can enjoy different expressions and stages of the creative process every day,” she says.