WESTPORT, CONN.- The Westport Arts Center will begin a new chapter in its history on September 22, 2019. Thanks to 50 years of connecting an entire community around a love of the arts, it will open its new doors at 19 Newtown Turnpike under an evolved identity and mission.

The quality of programming in recent years has been of an exceptional standard; bringing the best of both locally celebrated and globally renowned artists and their work front and center in Westport. It has been the vision of the Board of Directors, and Executive Director, Amanda Innes, to further nurture Westport's reputation as a thriving creative community by offering a true arts destination to the area.

The latest news, that the Grand Opening of the organization's new home will feature two seminal works from prolific artist, Yayoi Kusama, is further evidence of their commitment to offer meaningful experiences to the Westport Community. And it is just the tip of the iceberg. An all-new immersive education experience, called The Academy, will also launch in September. A re-invention of the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition will take place around Thanksgiving. Exciting opportunities for emerging artists of all ages are planned for the Spring and Summer. And a permanent collection featuring the works of Westport's best visual artists is also being curated. There are no shortage of examples of how the importance of Westport's place in American Art can be featured in the new expanded space.

"We are incredibly proud to be a part of such a rich and storied community," says Executive Director, Amanda Innes. "To be able to expose the next generation to the quality of artists we have in mind, is a game changer. And it seemed like a natural evolution for us to claim that stake for Westport."

"Our new space at 19 Newtown Turnpike allows us to finally do all we have hoped," says William Felton, Chairman of the Board, "with two state-of-the-art galleries, a members lounge, gift shop and cafe, and an indoor/outdoor set of studios for an expanded immersive curriculum. We look forward to giving everyone a tour of our carefully chosen new home during Grand Opening Weekend in a few months."

Opening Weekend will be a series of events hosted for VIPs, Members, Neighbors, Friends, and the General Public from Thursday 9/19 to Sunday 9/22. Entry is free to all members; and $12 per person for all non-members. The Infinity Mirror Room installation, Where the Lights in My Heart Go, is a separate ticketed experience, and on limited engagement. Tickets are available now at westportartscenter.org, with priority access provided to members. Transition to mocawestport.org will follow when the doors open in September.