Clarkston Center for the Performing Arts

Cities were, and to some extent are, defined by the cultural amenities that exist within their borders.  The City of the Village of Clarkston, my home, separated itself from the surrounding "Clarkston" area in 1992 by becoming a city instead of simply a village within the surrounding Township of Independence.  An ironic play on words as the Village of Clarkston became independent from Independence. 


While this is a story of its own, and one I will delve into in future posts, what happened culturally is that new and larger edifices were built outside the newly organized City of the Village of Clarkston as Independence Township grew.  The Library, Fire Department and Sheriff, to name a few, all moved outside of the newly formed City.  The Township grew while the City had no room to grow as is was essentially built out.


Today the City of the Village of Clarkston has no formal place of cultural enjoyment, other than the historical nature of the City.  There is not even a place for public assembly other than the Village Hall which is attached to one of the two Department of Public Works (DPW) garages.  The Village Hall can hold about 20 to 30 people and some of those people  will be standing.


There is an effort underway to change this.  The Clarkston Conservatory of Music had considered building a performance hall and allowing use for public meetings and assembly.  The declining economy of the early 21st century hindered those plans.  The Clarkston Village Players are presently located outside the City of the Village of Clarkston but would like to improve their theater and perhaps be in the city with better parking, restaurants and related amenities.  The two organizations joined forces and a new organization, the Clarkston Center for the Performing Arts, was formed to combine their goals and build a performing arts center in downtown Clarkston.  A place for theater, music and other fine arts.  It could also provide a formal meeting place within the City.


An organizational structure was formed and plans were created through the generosity of local residents.  Fund raising is now going on.  


Whether the Village of Clarkston can survive as an independent City or not is a matter that will be discussed in some detail in the very near future.  Whether they can or not, this should not diminish the need for a performing arts venue and a place for public assembly.  Even better that this be located in the historic and cultural center of "Clarkston" which is where it historically and economically should be.


If you agree, please contact any of the participating organizations noted above.  If you have a comment, put it on this blog or contact any of the organizations.  It is important regardless of your political opinions and objections.  Presently it is completely funded by private funds, not government taxes.  it will exist because the people want it.