The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown on Wednesday said it received a massive boost for its expansion project after securing a $65 million award under the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) new Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) tax credit program.
Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW) represented MPAC in connection with securing the award at a recent NJEDA Board meeting. MPAC is one of the first recipients of the competitive CAFE tax credit, which incentivizes large-scale capital projects for arts and cultural venues in New Jersey.
The substantial tax credit will allow MPAC to move forward with a transformative project designed to expand its facilities and outreach. The funds will be utilized to:
- Greatly expand MPAC’s Arts & Education Center.
- Increase classroom capacity for students.
- Add a new flexible studio and auditorium space.
- Restore the historic 1,300-seat theater.
This expansion is critical for the nonprofit institution, which has served the greater Morristown region for over 30 years, welcoming more than 240,000 patrons and students annually.
MPAC is renowned for its impactful education opportunities, including the Performing Arts School, which is home to The Miracle Project and serves 35,000 students a year. The center also offers free events through its Arts in the Community program, ensuring equitable access to the arts for all.
“The CAFE tax credit award will enable this transformational project,” the announcement stated, congratulating Allison Larena and the entire MPAC team.
The NJEDA’s CAFE program aims to bolster the state’s $27.3 billion arts and culture sector by supporting the development and rehabilitation of cultural arts facilities, which serve as key drivers of economic growth and community engagement.
