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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development funding announcement for SU Performing Arts Center project
City, county, state and SU officials gathered for the announcement of $2 million in state funding for SU's planned performing arts center. From left: Dr. Laurie Couch, SU provost and senior vice president of academic affairs; Salisbury City Council member Sharon Dashiell; Wicomico County Council member Jeff Merritt; Salisbury City Council President D'Shawn Doughty; Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano; Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day; SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre; Dr. Maarten Pereboom, dean of SU's Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Science and Technology; Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor; Greater Salisbury Committee President and CEO Mike Dunn; and Wicomico Public Library Executive Director Seth Hershberger.

$2 Million in State Funding Announced for SU Performing Arts Center Planning and Pre-Construction

Monday January 13, 2025

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s proposed downtown Salisbury performing arts center is one step closer thanks to the announcement of $2 million in grant funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for planning and pre-construction.

The project was awarded $1 million in Fiscal Year 2025 State Revitalization Program funds through the department. The department committed funding for another $1 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 round.

“This grant will allow us to begin work, in earnest, on making this facility the crown jewel of downtown Salisbury,” said SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre. “We thank DHCD Secretary Jake Day, Governor Moore and the State of Maryland for continuing to support Salisbury University and our efforts in the community. Even in these challenging economic times, the Moore-Miller Administration continues to invest in SU, higher education and the Eastern Shore.”

In addition to funding for the performing arts center, the Moore-Miller Administration previously increased state funding for the renovation of SU’s Blackwell Hall into a student service center by some $19.2 million, ensuring the project remains on track to become one of the first carbon-neutral buildings in the University System of Maryland. Moore has visited the campus several times since his election as governor in 2022.

“We are fortunate to have a Governor who shares the values of our University and who remains dedicated to ensuring growth in our state and region,” said Lepre.

Expected to open within four to five years at the site of the Wicomico Public Library’s current Paul S. Sarbanes branch, the $100 million performing center is slated to feature a large auditorium, smaller music and theatre space, dance studio and performance support facilities, as well as classroom space.

"The Salisbury University Performing Arts Center will be the new beating heart of art, culture, craft and creativity for the Eastern Shore – right in Downtown Salisbury," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. "This project, kicked off by the support from the Moore-Miller Administration through our department, will drive economic development, support tourism and elevate our community's access to culture in the region for decades to come. Congratulations to Salisbury University on this important milestone."

Demolition of the current library building is expected in 2026. The Wicomico Public Library has pledged to continue maintaining services downtown at a smaller branch following the relocation of the Sarbanes branch.

The performing arts center is expected to have a significant annual economic impact on the region, beginning with its construction. It also could mean new opportunities for area businesses, as expanded SU cultural programming and the possibility of professional productions from national and international touring acts are expected to draw more customers to downtown Salisbury. In addition, the venue could help enhance pre-existing events, like the annual Maryland Folk Festival, and would be available for community use.

The center will expand SU’s presence in downtown Salisbury, which also includes the SU Downtown campus and recently opened Museum of Eastern Shore Culture.

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.