Renaissance Arts Center Inc DBA Historic Wilson Theater

   After almost 15 years of working diligently to restore the Historic Wilson Theatre into one of the top 100 signifcant structures in Idaho. The time has come to move into an active art and cultural center. With that come a need for more financial support.

   The Renaissance Arts Center, Board of Directors built into this extraordinary facility, a community/convention center upstairs and three office spaces to help pay the bills.

 As we move forward our vision of utilizing the theatre, offering more opportunities. Completing the vision of meeting the needs and desires of our local people to provide quality cultural resources though arts, educations, social and economic development

When a theatre opens for plays, musicals, bands, and more, it create an added expense for royalties, advertising and added employees. We have been successful, thanks to our outstanding supporters, in our renovation of the facility. Now it's a big step to finanicially provide artistic endeavoars that will greatly benefit our community.

 

 It all began in 1920

Daniel Ward and Mennie Wilson had a dream of building a beautiful and unique opera house in Rupert, Idaho and that dream turned into a reality in 1920.

The building was used for community meetings and church events, high school graduations. Even the clerk for the City of Rupert was housed in the Wilson Theatre until the city hall was built in 1939. 

For years the Wilson Theatrefrom the outsdie world when Movie ton and otehr companies developed News rells complete with wound and worldwide sources. The Wilson became the eyes and ears of its patrons of all ages an kept them well versed in the history of the moment.

With help from generous supporters the Wilson Theatre will once again become the cornerstone of the region.

            The Wilson Building & Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 17, 2001.

 

 Mission and Vision Statement

            Our mission is to complete the restoration and transformation of the Wilson Building & Theatre, and create an innovative multi-purpose Community Center.

            Our vision is to meet the needs and desires of our local people to provide quality cultural resources through arts, education, social and economic development.

            Our goal is three fold: To bring together human resources for developing talents, learning new skills and enriching the quality of life; to create a catalyst for revitalization of our community; and to continue the creative spirit of those who developed this region, established our city and created this facility, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.