For the first time in its 55-year history, Kansas City Young Audiences will have its own home. After leasing space for the past 11 years at a private school, KCYA is buying a former OfficeMax location and adjoining property.
The renovated facility will include staff offices, two dance studios, restrooms that are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, a multi-purpose classroom, and a gallery space for student artwork. In addition to increased visibility — the site is on a major street — the property offers new revenue streams, including revenue from current and future tenants; space rentals to partner organizations; and parking space rental.
Kansas City Young Audiences is buying its first home with help from IFF. As the organization moves its headquarters from its current facility to a larger and more accessible location, IFF’s $1.3 million in loans will bridge capital campaign pledges for the $3.3 million project.
The largest nonprofit arts education provider in the Kansas City region, Kanas City Young Audiences offers in-school programs, after-school and Saturday classes, and summer camps to Kansas City area residents. Through dance, theater, music, visual arts, and other classes, the organization provides much-needed arts education to communities suffering from budget cuts. Its 155 professional artists reach 114,000 students at 214 schools in 22 districts.