Gov. Pritzker Breaks Ground on Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Transformation Project

NORMAL — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined agency officials, local legislators, university leaders, and students at Illinois State University (ISU) to break ground on the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts (WKCFA) Transformation Project. This multi-year, $87 million state investment, made possible through Rebuild Illinois, will expand ISU’s fine arts complex to offer academic, instructional, and performance spaces through phased renovation, demolition, and new construction work.

“Illinois has long been the hub of culture and creativity. With upgraded facilities, new and expanded artistic spaces, and extensive renovations, we’re breathing new life and opportunity into ISU campus in pursuit of a world-class fine arts complex,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Generations of ISU students will come to train in art, music, theatre, dance, and more. Especially in these turbulent times, the world needs more investment in the arts. We need more people boldly expressing themselves, speaking truth to power, and finding community.”

Overseen by the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), the WKCFA Transformation Project includes three building additions and multiple renovations. New construction will include:

Existing facilities within the Center for Visual Arts and the Centennial East building will undergo improvements, while the Centennial West building will be demolished. Interior renovations of existing buildings are scheduled to take place over the summers of 2026 and 2027. The Transformation Project is expected to be substantially completed in 2028.

The Pritzker Administration has consistently made critical investments in public universities across Illinois, with enrollment reaching its highest level in 10 years during the 2025-26 fall semester. At ISU, the University saw significant gains among African American and Latino students this fall, and WKCFA has continuously increased its own total enrollment — reporting a nearly 32% increase over the past five years. This growth has allowed new academic sequences at ISU to flourish, including Film and Musical Theatre, as well as the transition of the Creative Technologies program (formerly the Arts Technology program) into a School of Creative Technologies.

WKCFA is a longstanding leader in the state of Illinois in art, music, theatre, and dance teacher education. Marking 55 years of excellence in fine arts this year, several WKCFA programs have celebrated recent milestones, including Music Therapy (50 years), Normal Editions (50 years), and Creative Technologies (25 years). The Dance program made ISU history in May 2025, appearing on the national American College Dance Association stage.

“The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts provides outstanding programming and opportunities to our students and community,” said ISU President Dr. Aondover Tarhule. “The University, and specifically this College, have an incredibly successful alumni base that have impacted the world with their talent and knowledge. This project will give students, faculty, and staff even more opportunities to immerse themselves in various mediums of creative expression.”

Through separate funding, other facilities improvements have been made or are planned for spaces not included in the CDB project, including upgrades to restrooms, and plumbing in Centennial East and the Center for the Visual Arts, an overhaul to the Center for the Visual Arts rotunda, and upcoming work on areas within Cook Hall.

CDB is overseeing the project in accordance with the state protocol for capital construction projects, providing management and oversight throughout each phase. RATIO Architects, Inc. and River City Construction have been contracted to advance the design and construction of the Transformation Project.

“The expansion of the fine arts complex at Illinois State University is another example of how Illinois is investing in higher education, delivering modern facilities that provide additional opportunities to students across academic disciplines,” said CDB Executive Director TJ Edwards. “We are eager to collaborate with ISU to create new spaces that will support learning and artistic expression.”

“Art and music were two of the founding disciplines of Illinois State Normal University. From the beginning, they helped shape the identity, spirit, and soul of the institution — not as peripheral pursuits, but as essential expressions of learning, of culture, and of community,” said WKCFA Dean Dr. Scott R. Irelan. “This facilities project reflects an enduring institutional commitment to arts and design and their power to shape lives, build community, and inspire change. As we mark our 55th year as a college, we stand with one foot in our legacy and two eyes on our future. A future that — sometime in 2028 — will include transformed facilities.”

“When Illinois State University thrives, so does the Town of Normal. We are excited about this transformational project on Illinois State University’s campus, which will provide another outlet for creative expression in our community,” said Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “This effort is steps away from Uptown Normal, the Town’s primary location for cultural arts programs, events, music, and activities. This is a great addition to both campus and the community.”

“The Wonsook College of Fine Arts complex on the campus of Illinois State University will be another wonderful addition to all of Bloomington-Normal, and as Mayor of Bloomington, this investment into the arts for our community will allow present and future students to enhance our rich culture and commitment to the arts,” said Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady.

“Illinois State University holds such a special place in my heart. Like so many others, ISU brought me and my family to Normal and has created such a special community for us to make our home,” said McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston. “This university is an anchor in McLean County as an educator, an employer, and a community builder. The investment in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts is a testament to the excellence of the program and a vision realized for greater things to come.”

“This funding release is a milestone for Illinois State University. We recognize that high-quality, enhanced facilities are critical to student success, and these dollars are going to make a difference,” said State Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington). “I look forward to seeing this project support the Illinois State University community for years to come.”

“This transformative project represents an investment not only in the arts, but in our community and in the strength of Illinois’ public higher education system,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “ISU’s new Fine Arts facilities will support the students who are already thriving on campus, attract new talent, and contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our region for years to come.”

More information on the project can be found at https://facilities.illinoisstate.edu/projects/.

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