A Brief History...

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In the late 1980’s, a Task Force was established to study the need  for an auditorium to serve the citizens of eastern Catawba County. At  the same time, the former Newton-Conover High School auditorium was in a  state of benign neglect and was being abused by those who were using  the facility. Yet it was the conclusion of the consulting architect that  it was a hidden gem which could be restored into a magnificent venue  for the community.

For a variety of reasons, it was decided that formation of a  non-profit corporation, all of whose board members would be appointed by  governmental entities, would be the best structure for governance of  the new auditorium. Financing was to be by a public-private partnership.  Three governmental units agreed to participate as follows: the City of  Newton, $400,000; Catawba County, $200,000; and the Newton-Conover City  School Administrative Unit, $50,000, largely in-kind. A ninety-nine year  lease of the auditorium, together with ancillary facilities, was  obtained for the protection of the public and the participating  governmental units.

This $650,000 was combined with $900,000 contributed by businesses,  individuals, and foundations, primarily from Catawba County, to form the  fund which was used to preserve, restore, and remodel the building into  the magnificent art-deco facility which we enjoy today and of which we  are so proud.  Newton Performing Arts Center, formerly Newton-Conover Auditorium is a 501(c)3 Non Profit organization.