MACOMB, ILLINOIS (September 15, 2026) — Western Illinois University (WIU) celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday, September 15, joined by students and the Macomb community.
“Illinois is continuing to invest in young people’s creativity, inspiration and dedication,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“By offering spaces for students to learn and explore performing arts at WIU, the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts will ensure live art is accessible and affordable for all.”
WIU President Kristi Mindrup, GCPA Director Mick Cumbie, former WIU president Alvin Goldfarb, and Illinois Deputy Governor Martin Torres led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ahead of the venue’s first performance on Wednesday, September 16.
"The Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts represents the realization of decades of vision, persistence, and commitment from our university community,” Mindrup said.
“We are ready to welcome visitors throughout the region to campus, while also celebrating the inspiration, creativity, and educational opportunity that this world-class venue provides for our students. Thank you to the Governor's Office and the General Assembly for their support of this impactful project."
This space offers WIU students and the surrounding community 100,000 square feet of performance, rehearsal, and teaching space, supporting academic programs in Theatre, Music and Dance.
“We are thrilled to bring this long-awaited vision to life and open the Goldfarb Center to the campus community and the entire region,” Cumbie said.
In addition to University performances, its inaugural year will be “A Season of Joy,” featuring performances from world-renowned performers in its first week. Contemporary bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire will take the stage on Wednesday, September 16, followed by the Broadway musical theatre feature, “Gravity,” on Sunday, September 20.
The GCPA is the first new state-funded academic building at WIU in more than forty years. The State of Illinois has invested $119 million into building the center, providing the Western Illinois region with a first-class destination for arts and culture. With this new facility, WIU is establishing itself as a major arts destination in the region. It will also bring significant economic benefits to Macomb and McDonough County through jobs, tourism and as a cultural landmark.
The GCPA is a LEED Silver-certified facility, recognizing the building's sustainable design and construction.
“This investment is so important to WIU and west-central Illinois,” said TJ Edwards, Executive Director of the Illinois Capital Development Board. “The Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts is an incredible facility, providing a modern performing arts destination for WIU students, performers and the community.”
For more information on the GCPA, visit wiu.edu/GCPA.
