Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The majority of the funds to pay for this facility will come from private donations and grants secured by the Columbia River Arts and Cultural Foundation. 

This facility will serve the communities of Clark & Skamania counties as well as the greater Southwest Washington Area.  

We would encourage a design that would carefully consider the orientation of the buildings' high points with respect to the riverfront viewing opportunities along the waterfront, and provide unique spaces for public engagement with art while on the waterfront.

The Port of Camas-Washougal and RkM will design plans to accommodate enough parking.

The citizens of our community are working on several things right now, including a new library in downtown Washougal.  With the efforts of our organization, the Performing Arts and Cultural Center will enhance these things coming to our community as more business is drawn to our core area.

This will be a non-profit facility.  The goal is for it to pay for itself, and provide services, entertainment, education, and cultural activities to all members of the community, as well as those who visit and recreate in our area.  It will also provide employment and training opportunities.

• Revenue will be generated by a number of different opportunities:
  • Events on the main stage/auditorium
  • Rental of rehearsal/practice stages
  • Rental of recording/podcast studios
  • Concessions
  • Private events

The profitability will be for those businesses on the Washougal Waterfront as well as in the surrounding community.  This destination site will be a huge draw. 

At this time, there are two performing facilities: one in Camas, and one in Washougal.  Both of these serve the schools specifically, with the ability for others to utilize them, too.  Even with these facilities, there is more demand than these spaces can provide.

Our facility will be a professional, full-service venue that can provide for a wide variety of artists and performers.  Because there will be an estimated 1000 seats in the main auditorium, and at least 250-300 seats in the rehearsal hall, this provides the much-needed space that is currently in demand. 

CRACF is in the initial stages of fundraising. The first goal is to raise $40,000 - $60,000 for a feasibility study. 

CRACF is raising funds through a number of different channels, including:

• Networking with local community members and businesses
• Applying for eligible grants
• Fundraising events that celebrate culture and performing arts
• Livestream events that feature local artists

• John P. Kivlen | President
• Clare Hovland | Vice President
• Alice Yang | Secretary
• Rebekah Smith-Lueb | Treasurer 
• Martha Martin, Ph.D. | President Emeritus
• Sam Robinson | Advisory Consultant
• Evangeline Pattison, PMP | Advisory Consultant
• Stuart Bennett | Board Member
• Jason Ferrier | Board Member
• Stephanie Wichmann, LICSW, RDT | Board Member 
• Chuck Carpenter | Board Member

There are 36 performing arts centers in Washington. Combined, these Washingtonian performing arts centers employ 1,546 people, earn more than $123 million in revenue each year, and have assets of $219 million. (https://www.causeiq.com/directory/performing-arts-centers-list/washington-state/) 

We have a concept that was created by Jason Ferrier, a local architectural designerf.  You can view it on our website at https://cracf.org/.  There will be more concept renderings, and your input is invaluable.  We want this to be something that the community will enjoy for generations to come.

This facility will include a professional auditorium with excellent acoustics, a rehearsal hall, Eco-friendly rooftop garden & private event area, Lobby/Gallery with riverfront view, Recording studios, Classrooms and much more! 

The CRACF board is working to raise tens of millions of dollars to fund this project. A feasibility study will be conducted to assess the appropriate number of seats for the main auditorium which will have a major influence on the cost of the facility.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that arts and cultural production accounts for $53,196,440,000 and 8.7% of the Washington economy, contributing 185,741 jobs. (https://nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/creative-economy-state-profiles/#nasaa_field_4) 

A Feasibility Study will map out just what the arts industry in our community is like right now and the potential for that industry into the future.  

A feasibility study contains a detailed analysis of what's needed to complete the proposed project. The report may include a description of the new product or venture, a market analysis, the technology, design, and labor needed, as well as the sources of financing and capital.   It is a critical process in creating a successful facility!