How new spaces will help ECC arts students thrive

Elgin Community College is nearing the completion of a yearlong renovation project of the college’s art and design, performing arts, and music production classrooms.

The updated modern spaces in ECC’s Building H will help students thrive with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. The goal was to expand how students learn by creating an environment with accessible work spaces that foster community in and out of the classroom.

The building will now provide two new maker spaces (one three-dimensional and one two-dimensional), a podcast recording studio, an expansion of the music recording area, brand new rehearsal space for the ECC Arts Center’s in-residence ensembles, an expansion to the scene shop, improvements in audio in the Blizzard Theatre, a four-by-four CNC Router, 3D printer, and more.

“If you give world-class facilities, you’ll produce world-class work,” said Juan Fernandez, director of art and design, who was a leading figure in the project. “It’s our job as leaders to give our students that opportunity.”

Throughout renovations, a focus on safety remained a top priority. The renovation aligns with all ADA standards and protocols, including updates in ventilation and sprinkler systems and new eye wash stations.

The renovations created a solution for a lack of work space. Previously, the majority of equipment and technology needed by ECC art and design students lived in rooms that had classes continuously in session, making it hard for students to utilize the necessary equipment to complete projects outside of class time.

“Having an actual work space on campus without stripping away any classes is a great addition,” said ECC arts student Anya Alfante. “There have been times where I’ve needed access to a piece of equipment or a Mac computer that are only in classrooms, and I don’t want to go in and disturb them, so the new spaces give me a place to go get what I need and get to work.”

Increasing work spaces also intends to grow the community among ECC art students.

“With these changes, we are now in thriving mode, and we can give our students the chance to be productive and form a community of artists outside the classroom,” said Fernandez.

Registration for the spring 2024 semester is now open. Visit elgin.edu/spring for information on how to register for classes.