LAKE PLACID — The Lake Placid Center for the Arts is the recipient of a $1 million award from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program.
The Catalyst Program is intended to support economic development and improve the vitality of rural communities across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.
The NBRC funds awarded to LPCA will be used to renovate and modernize the Arts Center’s 52-year-old theatre, enhancing accessibility, energy efficiency and performance capabilities. The revitalization will transform the auditorium, expand stage space, upgrade theatre technology and improve visitor experience, ensuring the venue remains a vital hub for cultural tourism and community engagement.
By strengthening LPCA’s capacity to host world-class performances and educational programs, the project will work to spur economic growth, increase audience spending, and support job creation in the North Country region.
Theatre upgrades made possible by NBRC are part of the LPCA’s larger renovation project to expand and modernize the entire theatre building, impacting not only the Performing Arts series, but the Gallery, Lobby and Education spaces where exhibits, classes and community events take place.
North Elba Town Supervisor Derek Doty said he believes the renewed Arts Center “will be an incredible benefit for the whole community,” saying “local leadership is proud to support the LPCA’s renovation project, which falls in line with the overall goals for the region to uplift the economy and the experience of everyone who visits or lives in Lake Placid.”
LPCA is grateful funding was made possible through the support by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Sen. Chuck Schumer, helping to cement the arts as a fundamental resource for New Yorkers and for residents of the North Country.
“I was so impressed when I visited the Lake Placid Center for the Arts a couple of years ago, and I’m proud to have advocated with the Northern Border Regional Commission to secure this $1 million award,” Schumer said. “The Lake Placid Center for the Arts has a proven track record of driving economic growth, expanding access to the arts, and enriching communities across the North Country. I’m thrilled this vital investment will ensure the Center continues to serve as a creative and economic anchor for our region.”
Construction is expected to begin on the theatre building this fall, with a reopening of the renovated facility planned for Summer 2027. All of LPCA’s programs will continue during the construction period, from performances to classes.
For the latest information on event locations, ticket sales and more, visit www.lakeplacidarts.org and sign up for emails at https://bit.ly/lpca-signup.
The Lake Placid Center for the Arts provides an ensemble of offerings in music, theatre and dance, and supports local, regional and national artists in its Fine Arts Gallery. At the heart of this hub is hands-on learning experiences for children exploring their creativity and adults finding new passions. The LPCA collaborates with other Adirondack non-profit partners to build, support and cultivate the arts community.