In the year 2000, the Blair Center for the Arts Foundation was formed and began the process of renovating the theater. Over the next eight years, lots of work was done, and through the help and support of our local community, the theater opened again to the public for the first time in over 12 years. Like many organizations around the country, COVID-19 has had a negative effect on our mission. However, we’re still moving forward with trying to build a facility to provide quality arts, entertainment, and to be a community gathering place for the residents of Belleville, Republic County, and the greater North Central Kansas Region. Below you can see a list of things that we are looking to do, as well as an estimated cost for each item. If you can help in any way, please feel free to contact us and let us know.
Over the past few years, we have been able to meet with some great companies and form some good partnerships. Below are just a few of the items that we have identified needing to purchase to help achieve our goal of renovating the Blair into a working arts center. While some of these costs may seem very high, please remember that the theater hasn’t been a theater in a very long time and previous occupants removed all of the theater equipment. So we, in essence, stating from the beginning.
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- Architectural and Structural Analysis and Design – $95
- Theater Rigging System – $55k – $100k
- Theater Soft Goods Package – $25k
- Engineered Theater Staging* – $25k-$100k
- Building Electrical Upgrade – $35k – $55k
- Theater Lighting System* – $150k-$230k
- Theater Sound System* – $150k-$200k
- This equipment is different than what is used for the cinema sound system.
- Theater Video System* – $20k
- This equipment is different than what is used for the cinema projection system.
*Equipment marked with an asterisk can travel around the region and be used for events outside of the Blair.
With your help, by upgrading the facilities here at the Blair, we’ll be able to host more live events and can increase the entertainment we’re able to offer. This will result in an increase in the number of visitors that we can help bring to the area who will possibly shop at nearby retailers before or after a play, eat dinner at nearby restaurants before an evening dance recital, or get a room for the night and avoid driving home to Seneca, Phillipsburg, Geneva, or Fairbury after a concert or a late-night comedy show.
You can donate directly to our capital campaign at https://givebutter.com/BlairRenovations
Pop-up Cinema Needs List
Below is a table of items with an approximate dollar amount we still need to finish the Pop-up Cinema. Due to supply chain issues and inflation, this list may not be accurate.
| Item | Quantity Needed for the Pop-up Screen | Quantity Owned by the Blair | Quantity still needed for Pop-up Cinema | Approximate Retail Cost Per Item | Total estimated amount of money still needed for items |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 Gallon Water Totes | 4 | 0 | 4 | $389 | $1,556 |
| Blower Silencing Case | 1 | 0 | 1 | $360 | $360 |
| Rigging Package | 1 | 0 | 1 | $400 | $400 |
| 30' x 40' Heavy Duty Canvas Tarp | 2 | 0 | 2 | TBD | TBD |
| 20,000 Lumen Projector | 1 | 0 | 1 | $38,000 | $38,000 |
| Listening App for Phones | 1 | 0 | 1 | $600 | $600 |
| TBD Sound System | 1 | 0 | 1 | TBD | TBD |
| 12.5kW Generator | 1 | 0 | 1 | $12,000 | $12,000 |