Over the last 24 years New Village Arts has provided adventurous artistic experiences for the North County San Diego community and played a key role in the revitalization of Carlsbad Village. With the opening of the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center in 2023, a new era was born for the arts in Carlsbad and throughout North County. We are now in a crucial moment to “build the bridge” from our early formative days to a financially-secure future, ensuring that our unforgettable work and our beautiful new art center will thrive for generations to come.

New Village Arts is proud to announce that we have received an extraordinary opportunity from The Conrad Prebys Foundation, the largest independent Foundation in San Diego. The Prebys Foundation has offered to invest in New Village Arts by awarding us a $750,000 grant, $625,000 of which is a challenge grant. By matching this significant grant, New Village Arts will have the funds needed to complete the $4 million investment we have made in the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center and Carlsbad Village.  For every dollar NVA raises for our Build the Bridge Campaign, from October 6, 2024, to December 31, 2025, the Prebys Foundation will match each dollar up to $625,000.  We could not be more honored by and grateful to the Prebys Foundation for their incredible support.

THE CHALLENGE GRANT

$750,000 Investment from the Prebys Foundation:
$125,000 to support the NVA staff and the Build the Bridge Campaign
$625,000 as a Challenge Grant to complete the investment in the building

$125,000 by December 31, 2024: ACHIEVED!!
$250,000 by June 30, 2025
$250,000 by December 31, 2025

With the continuing support of so many generous donors, and the support of the Prebys Foundation, when the Build the Bridge Campaign is completed in December 2025 and the renovation costs are completely paid off, New Village Arts will enter a new era of financial security which will allow us to expand our programming, hire much needed additional staff, invest in community partnerships and programs, and plan for the future.

Performing and visual arts are essential to a community because they improve mental health, strengthen the economy and bring people together. 

Below are some of the ways the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center makes a substantial difference in the lives of people of all ages: 

ECONOMIC IMPACT
•NVA brings over 30,000 people to Carlsbad Village annually, creating over $1.2 million in economic impact to our community
•NVA provides employment for artists, educators, event coordinators, and staff 
•The Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center is the only arts center of its kind in North County, attracting audiences and families to Carlsbad Village

EDUCATION AND INNOVATION
•Over 25,000 students have participated in NVA’s arts education programs 
•NVA has a thriving arts education program with groundbreaking work with teens and young adults with neurodiversity as well as senior citizens
•NVA motivates students to stay engaged in school, reducing dropout rates, while helping young people express emotions, develop empathy and build self-confidence

RECOGNITION
•NVA’s 20 plus years of ground-breaking arts programs have been recognized nationally by the Theatre Communications Group and Ebony Magazine
•NVA’s is consistently awarded for its theatrical productions from organizations like the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle and Broadway San Diego
•NVA encourages civic engagement through public art, festivals and performances
•NVA is recognized as a truly diverse arts organization in San Diego County, celebrating diversity and fostering mutual respect and understanding

COMMUNITY CONNECTION
•NVA creates community connections by utilizing artistic experiences in creative activities such as theater, painting, dance and music
•NVA’s programs encourage people to come together, reducing isolation and improving well-being
•NVA’s professional theatre experiences on the Ray Charles Stage inspire deeper thinking and empathy by inspiring patrons to think creatively and imagine new possibilities

New Village Arts must raise $1.5 million in 2025: $500,000 for the Build the Bridge Campaign and $1 million for general operating expenses and program/staff support.

MAJOR DONORS TO THE NVA BUILD THE BRIDGE CAMPAIGN:

Now through the end of December 2025, NVA asks that you consider making an additional gift designated to the Build the Bridge campaign. Your additional gift, whether large or small, will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Prebys Foundation. With a gift of $1,000.00 or more, your name will be imprinted, and your legacy will be forever remembered on our Bridge!

Investing in the Performing and Visual Arts is an investment in your community.

With nearly a quarter of a century of creating art, the history of New Village Arts is impressive. NVA started in a converted chicken coop (literally), moved over to the corporate headquarters of Jazzercise, and has spent the last 18 years in the heart of Carlsbad Village. Since first leasing the building from the City of Carlsbad at 2787 State Street in 2007, New Village Arts has continuously presented seasons of award-winning plays and musicals, attracting over 30,000 visitors per year to Carlsbad Village to not only discover wonderful theatre, but also to frequent nearby restaurants and shops. Through outreach and education programs NVA has brought the arts into the lives of youth and seniors throughout Carlsbad, enriching lives and creating a deep sense of community. 

There are many ways to make a gift:

• Mail a check to New Village Arts, 2787 State Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008
• Visit the website at www.newvillagearts.org/donate/
• Consider becoming a monthly donor and giving year-round!
• Attend a fundraising event!
• Donate stock (NVA has an account with Charles Schwab)
• If you are at least age 70 1/2, you may donate your IRA, 401k or 403b required minimum distribution (RMD) directly to NVA and avoid federal income taxes on your gift.
• Reach out to Founder and Executive Artistic Director Kristianne Kurner at 760-845-8020 or kristianne@newvillagearts.org. She’s happy to meet and discuss the best options for your giving!

This is a big year for New Village Arts, and your consideration of two gifts: one to support operating expenses and one to be matched by the Prebys Foundation to Build the Bridge is greatly appreciated. New Village Arts has created a village of caring, generous, and forward-thinking people over the years and we are honored to have YOU as a crucial part of that Village.