The University of Southern Maine (USM) is set to commence construction of a new arts building in January 2024, with a budget of $15 million. This facility will be located on the Gorham campus and aims to accommodate the anticipated growth of the university’s Arts Department.
Approval for the project was granted by the University of Maine System board of trustees in November 2023, following a green light from the Gorham Planning Board in July 2023. The new building is expected to enhance the campus’s visual arts offerings and create a vibrant hub for creativity and collaboration.
Facility Overview and Design
Designed by WBRC Inc., the 36,000-square-foot building will be situated at the School Street (Route 114) entrance of the campus. The initial phase of construction will focus on completing 24,000 square feet of the facility, with future plans for expansion.
The arts complex will feature various studios dedicated to sculpture, ceramics, drawing, design, photography, woodworking, and digital arts. With a pre-engineered metal structure, the design incorporates glass facades that will allow for large-scale installations and projected art displays, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Impact on Community and Students
Jacqueline Edmondson, president of USM, emphasized the importance of the arts in the university’s mission. “The arts are central to who we are at USM,” she stated in a press release. “About 86% of our graduates remain in Maine, often entering high-need fields such as healthcare and education. The arts provide a strong foundation, helping them develop additional skills like empathy and creativity which are valued by many employers.”
The new facility is expected to enrich the cultural landscape of both the campus and the surrounding community. Kelly Hrenko, professor of art education and associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, highlighted the building’s role in fostering collaboration. “Beyond supporting our academic mission, this facility will strengthen the cultural life of our campus and neighboring communities,” she said. “It will create a dynamic hub where students, visiting artists, and community members can connect through exhibitions, workshops, and shared creative experiences.”
The construction of this arts building marks a significant investment in the future of the University of Southern Maine, reinforcing its commitment to fostering creativity and supporting the development of essential skills among its graduates.
