A contingent of Staten Island elected officials, including Borough President Vito Fossella, and Councilmembers Joseph Borelli, David Carr, and Kamillah Hanks, met today at the College of Staten Island to announce contributions of funds totaling $3M for the College’s Center for the Arts. The funding is expected to upgrade the lighting and audiovisual systems in all of CSI’s theaters.

“The Center for the Arts is located in the heart of our campus and has long been a place where the Staten Island community has gathered for entertainment and public assemblies, and students in our Music, Dance, Drama, Performing and Creative Arts Programs get to perform, study, and hone their skills on these stages,” said CSI President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch to his guests in the press event held today in the facility. “These funds will bring the rehabilitation needed to these spaces, and will allow us to continue to be a focal point of Staten Island’s Arts and Cultural community.”  

The lighting project at CSI will see an overhaul of all five Center for the Arts theater spaces, to include dimmer systems, and control of 1P Atrium chandeliers and house lighting. The new lighting system will allow for a full return to activity in the theaters, which are used year-round for CSI events and community functions and shows. The scope will include some upgrades to audio visual equipment as well.

In his remarks, Borough President Vito Fossella said, “This is how we come together to make things better, not just for the College of Staten Island, but for all of Staten Island. Thousands of young people come here every day…and we are committed to do what we can to improve the conditions here at the College of Staten Island along with President Lynch and the entire administration and faculty, and one way we could do that is to improve this facility.”

Councilman Borelli added, “There is no doubt that CUNY and CSI are a Staten Island resource. In addition to the great work that the faculty does with the student population, we have to remember that this is a place that welcomes the public, welcomes the Staten Island community.”

Commenting that she is a graduate of LaGuardia Music and Art, Councilwoman Hanks stated, “I understand how significant it is to have a school that really promotes the arts. The arts is history, the arts is creativity, so it is wonderful that we were able to secure $3 million for these theater lights that will allow CSI to have all the shows and wonderful performances…the future of the College of Staten Island will be bright!”

Councilman Carr capped off the remarks by noting that “When this Center first opened, it was a state-of-the-art facility. It was home to many, many performances, public meetings, and public addresses. This was a go-to destination if you wanted a large events space, but that was many years ago when this place first opened. It was very clear to my colleagues…that it was time to invest again. It was time to make it, once again, a state-of the-art facility where students and other members of our Borough community could come and perform and see performances and have a place that is worthy of their talents.”

Dr. Lynch noted how much the collaboration of support means to the College, saying “I want to thank you all for this continued support. Together, we are proud to be stewards to our exceptional students and future alumni, and to the Borough of Staten Island.”

CSI is set to start the rehabilitation project to the Center for the Arts immediately.

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