UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield to Receives Grant From WEDC to Renovate Helen Connor Laird Fine Arts Building

Friday, August 14th, 2026 -- 11:00 AM

A $2 million grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will ensure that the Helen Connor Laird Fine Arts Building at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Marshfield offers a variety of community performances for decades to come.

Wood County, which owns the facility, received the grant for the purpose of renovating artistic spaces within the building on the UWSP at Marshfield campus. The grant will be managed by an advisory committee that includes representatives from Wood County, UWSP, the city of Marshfield, the Universities of Wisconsin and the Laird Endowment for the Arts, which is also contributing to the project.

“Creative energy defines a community and creates a sense of place. We can all think of a place in our community that nourishes us, a gallery, a music venue, or a studio where we can create our own art, and without which we would feel a little poorer. The Laird Fine Arts Building is one of those places,” said John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “We look forward to seeing the improvements in the facility and the impact it has on the Marshfield community.”

The renovation project will begin in the fall of 2027 and will include the building’s main theatre, black box theatre, dressing rooms, lobby area and offices. Technology upgrades will allow the space to be used for large meetings and conferences when the project is complete.

“The Helen Connor Laird Fine Arts Building is a creative space for our community, where people of all ages can enjoy theatre, visual art, concerts and a variety of performances or take the stage themselves,” said Tony Andrews, UWSP at Marshfield campus executive and member of the Laird Endowment.  “This grant is an investment in continuing and expanding those opportunities for the future.”

“These funds are to be used to make improvements for the Laird Fine Arts Theater Building to be more viable in the community,” said Wisconsin Rep. John Spiros. “I am glad the state was able to assist UWSP at Marshfield and I look forward to seeing the finished product."

This project adds value that will benefit our community for decades, said UW Commission Chairperson Donna Rozar. “UWSP at Marshfield is a community gem. Wood County and the City of Marshfield, as well as numerous community partners, make significant investments in this campus,” she said.

“Our founders would be proud of the advocacy, commitment, and dedication of those who work diligently to continue their vision. Hats off to all who made the effort to bring this additional investment to UWSP at Marshfield. You are appreciated.”

“On behalf of the City of Marshfield I would like to recognize our partnership with Wood County and the State of Wisconsin in securing this $2 million grant for the much needed renovation of the Laird Fine Arts Center."

"The university is a vital part of our community, and the Laird Center is probably the building that our citizens have the most experience with. We look forward to seeing what's new.”

(Photo courtesy of UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield via press release)

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