Once used as a creative haven for students and faculty, the Craft Center may soon be forced to reduce its program availability if it is unable to secure sufficient funding to renovate its East Campus facility.
In previous years, the center received funding from the Division of Student Affairs and the Duke University Union. But after the center's facilities were consolidated on East Campus last fall and because it has no student chair, the center no longer qualifies for the $30,000 Student Affairs stipend.
"It is now up to the Union to make up the difference through the use of their budget and grants," said Carol Chancey, a third-year graduate student in biomedical engineering and a member of the Union finance committee.
Brady Beecham, president of the Union, said the organization's board will decide on its contribution in several weeks.
"The primary issue is establishing the new facilities on East Campus as soon as possible to ensure continuity of access for all the crafts community," said Larry Moneta, vice president for student affairs. "I'm confident that all will be ready by fall."
Despite this enthusiasm and the Union's commitment to the continuation of Craft Center services, the funding must be procured in order for all programs to remain.
"The funding is needed to get photography up and going again and to maintain the success of the general crafts areas," Chancey said.
Sharon Spencer, president of the Craft Center, said she feels it is important to keep in mind the center's impact on the community, as it offers students and faculty the opportunity to explore their creativity in a relaxing atmosphere.
Students like freshman Shaleia Threadcraft, who hopes to take advantage of the classes offered at the Craft Center, are concerned about possible changes.
"I'm interested in numerous artistic areas, but I'm sure the center will have to adjust the programs offered to work within its budget," Threadcraft said. "I just hope that any changes would be minimal."
The center previously had a Bryan Center location but its facilities were consolidated on East to make room for the new multicultural center.
"By locating on East Campus, we can integrate the existing wood-working and photo facilities already out there with the additional crafts facilities, used jewelry makers and others," Moneta said.
"At the same time, the move freed up extremely valuable space to be used for the multicultural center."
Spencer said she was excited about the move.
"The relocation of the Craft Center to East Campus is an opportunity to introduce the center's studios to incoming students and attract students who participate in our activities for their full student career at Duke," Spencer said.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.