Andy Warhol Foundation awards Legion Arts $80,000

Media release submitted by Legion Arts

CEDAR RAPIDS -- The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has awarded Legion Arts an $80,000 grant toward the Cedar Rapids non-profit's plan to purchase and renovate the historic CSPS building and the adjoining firehouse.

The grant will allow Legion Arts to purchase the firehouse and carry out related planning. The firehouse, when renovated, will house visiting artists and support an artist residency program. 

“The Warhol Foundation has been an invaluable supporter of Legion Arts over the years,” Legion Arts executive director F. John Herbert said. “We're deeply grateful for this latest expression of the foundation's commitment to artists and innovation.”

The Andy Warhol Foundation has provided support to Legion Arts since 2000 when Legion Arts became one of the first arts organizations to be invited into the Warhol Initiative, a limited network of 60 progressive arts spaces and publications across the country.

Legion Arts embarked on a $6.4 million renovation project following the flood of 2008. Other support for the project includes a $4.8 million I-JOBS grant and $1.2 million in state historic tax credits.

The project, formulated through a series of community forums held at CSPS last summer, includes enhanced versions of the existing theatre and gallery spaces; the construction of additional presenting, studio and educational space on the ground floor; the opening of an arts incubator, also on the ground floor, to serve small and emerging arts organizations; and two to three ground floor retail operations.

In addition, the entire landmark building --120 years old, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, damaged but intact after the 2008 floods -- will get the structural overhaul it needs.

The plan incorporates increased accessibility, including an elevator; updated electrical systems, climate control and plumbing (air conditioning and new bathrooms); improvements in safety and energy efficiency; increased parking and upgraded street presence. Subtle physical changes to the exterior will preserve the building's historic features while fostering accessibility and greater community engagement.

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts was established in 1987. In accordance with Andy Warhol's will, its mission is the advancement of the visual arts.

Legion Arts programs and operates the CSPS art galleries and performance space at 1103 Third St. SE in Cedar Rapids. More information: (319) 364-1580,

www.legionarts.org.