Quick Center for the Arts

Quick Center for the Arts is a prominent performing arts complex located on the campus of Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Opened in 1990, the center serves as a major cultural hub for the university community and the wider Fairfield County region. It presents a diverse annual season of professional theatre, music, dance, and lecture series, while also supporting the academic mission of its parent institution.

History

The center was established through a transformative gift from philanthropist and General Electric executive Lawrence A. Wien, with additional support from the Quick family, for whom the building is named. Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate Kevin Roche, the facility opened its doors in the fall of 1990 with a gala performance. Its creation was part of a broader initiative by Fairfield University to enhance its campus arts infrastructure and community engagement. Over the decades, the center has expanded its programming and educational outreach, becoming an integral part of the cultural landscape in Southwestern Connecticut.

Facilities and venues

The center's main performance space is the 740-seat Kelley Theatre, a proscenium stage venue known for its excellent acoustics and intimate sightlines. The complex also houses the 150-seat Wien Experimental Theatre, a flexible black box space used for more avant-garde productions and student work. Additional facilities include the Thomas J. Walsh Art Gallery, which presents rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical art, and the Dolan School of Business's Dolan Hall, occasionally used for larger events. The building's design incorporates a grand atrium that serves as a gathering space for patrons.

Programming and events

The center's annual season features a wide array of professional touring productions and artists. Its programming typically includes a Broadway series, a classical music series often featuring ensembles like the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, and a dance series presenting companies such as the Martha Graham Dance Company. The Open VISIONS Forum lecture series brings notable figures from politics, media, and literature, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and journalist Bob Woodward. The center also hosts family programming, film screenings, and community-based events throughout the year.

Academic affiliation and role

As an entity of Fairfield University, the center plays a vital role in the academic and student life of the institution. It provides performance and exhibition opportunities for students in the College of Arts and Sciences, particularly those majoring in visual and performing arts, music, and theatre. The center's professional productions and artist residencies offer direct educational enrichment, with master classes and talkbacks frequently integrated into performances. Its operations are supported by the university's Office of the Provost and collaborate closely with academic departments to align programming with curricular goals.

Notable performances and artists

The center has hosted a distinguished roster of international artists and companies since its inauguration. Notable performances have included concerts by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and jazz legends like Dave Brubeck and Wynton Marsalis. Theatre productions have featured performances by John Lithgow, Audra McDonald, and the National Theatre. The lecture series has welcomed influential speakers such as Desmond Tutu, Tony Blair, and author Salman Rushdie, contributing to the intellectual discourse on campus and in the region. Category:Performing arts centers in Connecticut Category:Fairfield University Category:Buildings and structures in Fairfield, Connecticut Category:1990 establishments in Connecticut