Marquette, MI – October 30, 2026 – The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees recently approved a plan seek state funding for a transformative new Arts District on campus. It would establish the Center for Creative Arts and Entrepreneurship, featuring a comprehensive $51.5 million upgrade to NMU’s arts district facilities.
Digneit explained that NMU plans to request $30 million in state funding to support the project which includes a 17,900-square-foot renovation of Forest Roberts Theatre to expand the lobby, modernize visual, audio and lighting infrastructure, upgrade back-of house support spaces and implement ADA compliance updates.
He said a 30,000-square-foot addition is also included in the plan to enhance the Blackbox Theatre, introduce a new scene construction shop and create a state-of-the-art theatre and dance studio lab with specialized rehearsal and performance spaces.
Digneit said the updated space will be a boon for the Theatre and Dance program at NMU, which has grown in significant numbers over the past five years and continues to tren upward. He added that the funding will not be secured overnight, but the Board’s action begins the formal process to put this project forward for state consideration.
-mediaBrew Communications News
