RPI has retained the Arts Consulting Group (ACG), an international organization dedicated to advancing the arts and culture, to conduct in-depth discussions with internal and external stakeholders to understand the culture, philosophy, and aspirations underpinning the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). This community input will inform the strategy for EMPAC moving forward and will lead to the recruitment of the center’s next director by the end of the year. EMPAC’s founding director, Johannes Goebel, retired last year after 20 years of service.

First opened in 2008, the 220,000-square-foot center includes research and performance space. It was designed by London-based Grimshaw Architects with state-of-the-art acoustics, performing arts infrastructure, and architectural engineering. EMPAC’s four venues are integrated with technology to allow for vivid experiences with experimental art. EMPAC’s programs include a curatorial program, a research program, support for faculty and student research and artistic production, and campus and community events.

EMPAC is a valuable resource and we want to use it to its full potential for the benefit of the community.