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WIU President Kristi Mindrup and President Emeritus Alvin Goldfarb cut the ribbon on the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts.
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The Macomb community celebrated the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts.
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Mick Cumbie, Interim Director of the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts, addresses the crowd during the ribbon cutting ceremony.
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WIU Officially Opens Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts

September 15, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday, Sept. 15, joined by students and the Macomb community.

"Illinois is continuing to invest in young people's creativity, inspiration, and dedication," said Governor JB Pritzker. "By offering spaces for students to learn and explore performing arts at WIU, the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts will ensure live art is accessible and affordable for all."

WIU President Kristi Mindrup, GCPA Director Mick Cumbie, former WIU president Alvin Goldfarb, and Illinois Deputy Governor Martin Torres will lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting ahead of the venue's first performance on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

"The Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts represents the realization of decades of vision, persistence, and commitment from our university community," Mindrup said. "We are ready to welcome visitors throughout the region to campus, while also celebrating the inspiration, creativity, and educational opportunity that this world-class venue provides for our students. Thank you to the Governor's Office and the General Assembly for their support of this impactful project."

This space offers WIU students and the surrounding community 100,000 square feet of performance, rehearsal and teaching space, supporting academic programs in Theatre, Music and Dance.

"We are thrilled to bring this long awaited vision to life and open the Goldfarb Center to the campus community and the entire region," Cumbie said.

In addition to University performances, its inaugural year will be "A Season of Joy," featuring performances from world renowned performers in its first week. Contemporary bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire will take the stage on Wednesday, Sept. 16, followed by the Broadway musical theatre feature, "Gravity," on Sunday, Sept. 20.

The GCPA is the first new state-funded academic building at WIU in more than 40 years. The State of Illinois has invested $119 million into building the center, providing the Western Illinois region with a first-class destination for arts and culture. With this new facility, WIU is establishing itself as a major arts destination in the region. It will also bring significant economic benefits to Macomb and McDonough County through jobs, tourism and as a cultural landmark.

The GCPA is a LEED Silver-certified facility, recognizing the building's sustainable design and construction.

"This investment is so important to WIU and west-central Illinois," said TJ Edwards, Executive Director of the Illinois Capital Development Board. "The Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts is an incredible facility, providing a modern performing arts destination for WIU student, performers, and the community."

For more information on the GCPA, visit wiu.edu/GCPA.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing