The Center for the High Desert: A Dynamic New Space for Dialogue, Engagement, and Learning in the High Desert

FAIN: CHA-276815-23

High Desert Museum (Bend, OR 97708-5035)
Dana Whitelaw (Project Director: May 2020 to present)

The development of schematic design, cost estimates, and construction documents for the Center for the High Desert, which would include a new gallery, five classrooms, flexible spaces, and an event area for expanded humanities programming at the museum.

The construction of a new 27,500 square foot wing will advance the High Desert Museum’s vision for the Center for the High Desert—a place for humanities-driven programming that brings together scholars, artists, policy makers, nontraditional leaders, and community members to transform conversations about the High Desert region, significantly broaden and deepen community engagement, and catalyze collaborative, creative solutions. An iterative design process will inform the development of a gallery, classrooms and an event center that will enable the Museum to respond to the needs and interests of our growing audiences and rural High Desert community. These adaptable new spaces will support interdisciplinary programming that will broaden community engagement, drive new scholarship, inform policy decisions, and build understanding and collaboration between community members. More than an expansion, this new space will position the Museum to be as dynamic as our High Desert community.