College Relations

CONTACT ---Jim Glynn at 978-542-7519 or james.glynn@salemstate.edu

SALEM, Mass. - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will release $100,000 to Salem State for the college's central campus renovation and expansion project.

Rep. John Tierney, who was instrumental in getting the federal funds, said, "Salem State's prominent role and outstanding leadership in the performing arts community of the North Shore will be greatly enhanced by the creation of the planned state-of-the-art performance space. I am especially pleased to have helped facilitate a federal partnership in this project."

Salem State will apply the "Special Project" funds toward the completion of a MIDI music laboratory inside a new arts center on the college's central campus. The purpose of the lab will be to provide job training for students and to provide a venue for visiting artists to make use of the latest "smart technology" in music production. Salem State will also apply a portion of the funds to the construction of a 180-seat concert hall.

"We are most appreciative of this federal contribution from HUD," said Patricia M. Zaido, director of the Center for Creative and Performing Arts at Salem State. "This money provides a significant boost to our dream of improving the quality of life on the North Shore with a state-of-the-art theater complex."

According to a written statement from HUD's office in Washington D.C., "The North Shore of Boston is a major player in the cultural tourism industry. With the Essex National Heritage Area and the $100 million Peabody-Essex Museum expansion, the arts and theater complex at Salem State College completes the historical and cultural picture that will improve the quality of life and will significantly promote economic development throughout the region."

Salem State plans a formal ground-breaking ceremony for phase one of its $43.3 million central campus project on June 10.