News

Cities Update

Every day, the NCAT team receives communications from new cities that have come across the MBC model and are interested in bringing the vision to their city.  Currently, NCAT is engaged with numerous cities in different stages of the replication process:

Austin, TX:  Austin has pledged half of the funding to start the Feasibility Phase, and continues to make efforts to organize the rest of the funds.  The NCAT team hopes to begin working with Austin officially in the Fall 2009.

Boston, MA:  A group from Boston recently visited the MBC facilities in Pittsburgh and have taken keen interest in bringing a center to their city.  NCAT will continue to research the Boston community to determine if the key attributes exist for beginning a feasibility study.

Charlotte, NC:  Charlotte entered a feasibility study in the fall of 2008, and despite the economic turndown, the need for youth arts and adult training in the area suggests that  a center for arts and technology is possible.

Chicago, IL:  A group of interested individuals in Chicago have formed and have been working with the NCAT team to determine next steps towards a feasibility study.  

Cleveland, OH:   Cleveland’s feasibility study concluded last year, with successful outcomes.  The Cleveland Center for Arts & Technology is currently in the planning phase, with a board of directors and executive director.  A site selection is currently under contract and plans for renovations are in progress.

Detroit, MI:  Because of employment challenges in the Detroit area, a Center for Arts & Technology would be beneficial for career training for laid off workers.  Groups in the area are forming to organize efforts for beginning a feasibility study.  

Halifax, NS:  As the first International effort by the NCAT team, Halifax, Nova Scotia has been engaged in a feasibility study for the past six months.  Programming needs for youth have been addressed, and adult training programming needs are in progress.  The team is now looking into potential leadership and funding.

Minneapolis, MN:  During the feasibility study in Minneapolis, the need for MBC core programs has been stressed.  The NCAT team is currently working with the Minneapolis steering committee to best determine which programs would be most beneficial to the community.  

New Haven, CT:  New Haven’s feasibility study is soon to be finished, with programming recommendations underway, and leadership recommendations nearing conclusion.