About

After thirty years of sustained artistic growth, Arts Empowering Life has put its roots down with a new, innovative, multi-purpose Arts facility. The building was conceived in 2019 to meet the growing needs of the various groups and programs of Arts Empowering Life. It was constructed during the worldwide pandemic and is a testimony to determination and teamwork, as hundreds of volunteers worked alongside experts in commercial building trades to create the structure you see today. Numerous unique design features are based on the natural elements of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. The exterior wood cladding is Shou Sugi Ban, an ancient Japanese technique of preserving wood with fire. This texture is combined with a firm earthbound foundation of stone, all set in place by volunteers, and surrounded by extensive plantings of native species. The tower houses a wind turbine visually expressing the element of air, and providing sustainable power. Rain gardens surround the structure, and inside, a water feature is planned that will cascade from the height of the tower structure.

The Performing Arts Center houses three first-floor, flexible spaces for individual and group instruction and rehearsals, and a large space that accommodates entire theater sets, ensembles, and performances. The second floor has an overwatch balcony, a conference/kitchen area, a solarium, a deck, and an additional rehearsal space. Built to combine function with beauty, this building provides both the young and the established artist with a creative space for education, rehearsal, and inspirational work.

Learn more about Arts Empowering Life

Vision

Through the ages, the Arts have been a guide, challenging mankind’s character and being a source of hope and inspiration. Current society is facing challenges of isolation and divisiveness.

This new performing arts center is a bricks and mortar commitment to the value and integrity of the Arts. The artists who will work and learn here will create avenues for wholesome human connections and upholding the Arts in a mission of healing, restoration, and wholeness now and for future generations.

We have the privilege, the challenge and the responsibility to carry out the mission of the Arts to humanize culture.

“Music can change the world because it can change people.” —Bono

Go Green

In keeping with vision for this creative and inspirational center, we wanted to also respect and protect the surrounding beauty of Cape Cod. This center is environmentally friendly.

Here are a number of our “Go Green” features:

  • Roof covered with solar panels– to fulfill electric needs of building- heating, cooling and lighting
  • Wind turbine
  • Rain Gardens– gathering all water runoff in rain gardens to help irrigate plants in the gardens
  • Electric charging stations for hybrid cars
  • Native plants and plants for herbal remedies
  • Efficient Thermal envelope: Walls thermal efficient- stays heated and cooled longer
  • Responsible material selection: (IE: Buying from companies who re-plant trees after they cut trees, being mindful of sustainable materials, etc.
  • Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) quality for clean air

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.” —Jane Goodall