BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS The grant check for $1 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development being presented to the Development Committee members during Monday’s event.

BELLEFONTE — Talleyrand Park is steadily growing support for a new state of the art venue that will provide a space for concerts, plays, dance performances and other cultural events.

The performance venue — tentatively named the Stage at Talleyrand — is going to be designed to accommodate a wide range of performers and audiences.

The intention is for this space to become the premier outdoor public stage in the Centre Region.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has generously provided a $1 million grant towards the design and build for the newest venue at Talleyrand Park.

The site chosen was the Talleyrand Annex, which has sufficient space to build a stage that can accommodate larger performances, allow performers to safely “load in” and “load out” equipment and be an asset to current and future events held in Talleyrand Park.

Former Bellefonte Mayor Tom Wilson gave a brief presentation of the project and goals for it during Monday morning’s event held at Big Spring Spirits.

“It’s mine and a lot of other people’s beliefs that Bellefonte has always had a strong history of promoting the performing arts. We want to continue that tradition with a first-class bandshell,” said Wilson.

Wilson introduced the co-chairs, Tom Bathgate and Rick Jacobs, who then mentioned the Development Committee by name.

The Stage at Talleyrand Development Committee is an all-volunteer committee of residents dedicated to creating an open-air performing arts facility in the heart of Downtown Bellefonte, consisting of: Tom Bathgate, Rick Jacobs, Pammy Aikey, Michael Desmond, Stuart Echols, Talley Fisher, Tom Hesketh, Don Holderman, Melissa Hombosky, Kay Kustanbauter, Ed Olsen, Ralph Stewart, Holly Wilson and Tom Wilson.

Downtown Bellefonte Inc. (DBI) has partnered with the initiative to become the fiscal agent for the Stage at Talleyrand Campaign, ensuring that donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law without the need to start a new non-profit.

Tax-deductible gifts can be made as a one-time gift or a pledge payable over two years — made monthly, quarterly or yearly.

Any funds raised in excess of the building goal will be directed to an endowment earmarked for facility maintenance and programming.

State Representative Kerry Benninghoff was also in attendance at Monday’s event, offering his support for the endeavor.

“I think this venue, celebrating and exposing some of the great artwork and musical talents in the area, is going to be another great catalyst for this wonderful community,” said Benninghoff.

“I’ve often thought of art and music as a tapestry of life,” continued Benninghoff. “We sing songs that were written in the 1700s, we look at artwork that is much older. Why do we have it? We have an interest in knowing where we come from and what our past was. This is an opportunity to celebrate local talent.”

The committee hopes the construction of The Stage at Talleyrand will not only provide a space for cultural events, but also have a positive impact on the local economy — attracting visitors and increasing tourism.

The final projected costs for this project are estimated to be around $2,500,000.

For more information or a donation link, you can visit stageattalleyrand.org or contact Rick Jacobs, fundraising coordinator, at 814-769-9028 or via email info@StageAtTalleyrand.org