The arts center will be renamed to honor Marlie.
The Arts Center at Fountain Park proudly announced today that it has formalized its relationship with The Marlie Dru Sullivan Foundation, including renaming the arts center in Marlie’s honor.
The Marlie Dru Sullivan Foundation was created last year following the tragic death of 15-year-old Marlie, a passionate dance performer from Rock Hill. In partnering with ACFP, the Foundation will preserve Marlie’s legacy and love for others through initiatives that enhance the world through dance and artistic expression.
“The partnership is a beautiful fit,” says Justin Smith, Interim Chair of ACFP Board of Directors. “Marlie’s family and friends wanted to do something meaningful to honor Marlie while also inspiring the entire community to celebrate performing arts. We are thrilled to join forces in ensuring that Marlie’s spirit lives on in this project and beyond.”
Architects for the center are well into the design-development phase to create a landmark civic performing arts center in Rock Hill to foster community and inspire support for the performing arts in York and the surrounding area. The ACFP board of directors is energized by the partnership and is excited by the opportunities it will bring.
Justin Smith // Interim Chair of ACFP Board of Directors
Recently, the Marlie Dru Sullivan Foundation held its inaugural Gala, where it raised substantial funds specifically for the arts center project. Between the live auction and donations, the Foundation has quickly demonstrated how important it is to preserve Marlie’s legacy.
“Marlie inspired everyone who knew her,” says Stacie Sullivan, the Foundation’s president. “The partnership with The Arts Center just makes sense – it’s the perfect way to celebrate Marlie while promoting the ideals she personified every single day. We share the center’s vision of building community through the performing arts.”
Stacie Sullivan // MDSF President
ACFP and The Marlie Dru Sullivan Foundation will work together to raise funds for the project, which promises to attract world-class performances to the Rock Hill area while creating a community that celebrates performing arts. In addition, the Arts Center will foster economic development for the entire tri-county region and complement the existing sports tourism. “Together, I know we will create a special place where every part of the community feels welcome and inspired,” says Smith.
The Arts Center at Fountain Park
Located in the center of the multifaceted innovation district, The Arts Center at Fountain Park promises to be the premier innovative arts center for the performing arts, arts education, and entertainment in the tri-county region and beyond. Emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility, and community, ACFP will exemplify the area’s innovative and collaborative spirit and its long history of community strength and shared experience. ACFP will complement the local sports tourism industry, providing a well-rounded cultural experience for the local community.
For more information about ACFP and how to become involved, visit www.theartscenterfp.org.
The Marlie Dru Sullivan Foundation
The Marlie Dru Sullivan Foundation is dedicated to preserving Marlie’s captivating love for others through initiatives that enhance the world through dance and artistic expression. Created to carry on the legacy of Marlie, the Foundation supports that embody Marlie’s cherished qualities – kindness, love, helpfulness, inclusion, respect, care, and dedication – while remaining loyal to the world of dance and performing arts, which played such a pivotal role in her life.
For more information about The Marlie Dru Sullivan Foundation, visit marliedrusullivan.org.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Justin Smith at 803-324-5531 or email info@theartscenterfp.org.
