Cornell Complex celebrates two-year anniversary

(From Connect2Culture)

The official opening celebration of the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex took place the first week of November 2022. This week marks the second year since the state-of-the-art performing and visual arts Complex opened.

In the building's second year, the Cornell Complex has held more than 330 events, entertaining more than 28,950 people. This major downtown asset will continue to drive significant economic and cultural impact for Joplin, enriching the community and fostering growth.

In celebration, the Cornell Complex and the two organizations that manage and program activity within the Complex, Connect2Culture (C2C) and George A. Spiva Center for the Arts (Spiva), invite the public to come enjoy the upcoming events they have planned.

Notable Numbers:

In its second year, the Cornell Complex has:

Entertained:

28,950+ guests through both Spiva and C2C programming

Been Host to:

330+ Events, including:

183 Spiva Classes/Camps/Outreach

33 Spiva Art Exhibits

42 C2C Performances/School Shows

74 Building Rentals

Cornell Complex Announcement: In celebration of its second anniversary, the Cornell Complex is planning exciting updates. This December, a new stage covering will be unveiled on the Leggett & Platt Green. Save the date for December 7th, and stay tuned for further announcements. A press release with additional details will be shared soon.

Upcoming Events from Connect2Culture: Connect2Culture will present The Voice and American Idol singer-songwriter Marybeth Byrd on Saturday, November 9, at 7pm, followed by TheaterWorksUSA’s production of Charlotte’s Web on Saturday, November 23, at 2pm. In December, Connect2Culture will host An Evening In Kringle City on Saturday, December 7, at 7pm, and Christmas with Guy Penrod on Saturday, December 14, at 7pm. Tickets are available at connect2culture.org, by calling (417) 621-9824, or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tue–Sat, 1–5pm).

Upcoming Events from Spiva Center for the Arts: Spiva Center for the Arts presents three recently opened exhibits: Joy Spiva Cragin 77th Annual Membership Show, What Follows is True by Sean Fitzgibbon, and Upon Closer Inspection by Joplin Regional Artists Coalition. Plus, don’t miss the Holiday Makers Market on Saturday, December 7, from 10am to 5:45pm, where local artists and artisans will showcase unique, handcrafted gifts just in time for the holiday season.

The Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex is a multifunctional visual and performing arts center. The building, an intentional home for the arts in Joplin, brings Connect2Culture, George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, and more together under one roof. The Cornell Complex educates, enlightens, and entertains, while attracting more people and activities to downtown Joplin and the region.