Midland Center for the Arts

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Midland Center for the Arts, Inc.
AbbreviationMCFTA
FoundedApril 19, 1966; 59 years ago (1966-04-19)[2]
FounderJohn E. Riecker, Dr. Shailer L. Bass
TypeEducational 501(c)(3)
38-6114020[1]
Location
Coordinates43°37′24″N 84°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)[1]
Expenses$10.6 million (2023)[1]
Endowment$120 million (2023)[1]
Employees118[1]
Volunteers727[1]
Midland Center for the Arts
OwnerMidland Center for the Arts
OperatorMidland Center for the Arts
BuiltJuly 1968 to January 1, 1971
ArchitectAlden 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.

History

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Organizations

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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

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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

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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

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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

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  • Broadway & Beyond features national touring productions of popular Broadway musicals and other theatrical and musical performances.[6]
  • Windows on our World showcases a diverse range of cultural experiences through music, dance, and storytelling. The series features artists from around the globe, offering audiences a journey of discovery and cultural exploration.[7]
  • Midland Symphony Orchestra has performed continuously since 1936. While some concerts feature popular guest artists, educational opportunities are available through MSO's partnership with schools, music appreciation programs, scholarships, master classes by guest artists and residencies.[8]
  • Center Stage Theatre is a volunteer theater program producing a variety of plays and musicals, ranging from popular favorites to lesser-known titles, and is a member of organizations like the American Association of Community Theatres and Community Theatres of Michigan.[9]
  • MATRIX Midland brings "big city" professional performances to the Great Lakes Bay Region, featuring a variety of artists and genres. The series aims to spark new ideas and conversations by showcasing the nexus of science, history, art, and entertainment.[10]

Venues

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Auditorium

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

Little Theatre

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

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Midland Center For The Arts Inc". propublica.org. ProPublica. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  2. ^ Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: Midland Center for the Arts dedication 1971". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved June 5, 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.
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