Despite lack of funds, museum should proceed

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Although funds for the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum still are short of where they need to be for its completion, finally beginning construction on the building is what MSU needs to do to move the project forward.

Unfortunately, progress without funding is something that is hard to come by these days. Since MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon announced that Eli Broad and his wife Edythe had donated $26 million to the university to build a new art museum in June 2007, MSU alumni, students and donors mostly have been able to hear about the museum’s development from university officials. However, when the groundbreaking ceremony is held March 16, everyone will be able to see the first physical advancements of the project.

In January 2008 the museum’s future location across from the Student Services Building was cleared and prepared for construction. Since then, it has been nothing more than a hole in the ground, and any visible progress the university can make is better done sooner than later.

Currently, MSU is $7 million short of the estimated $40 million needed to build the museum and complete its initial exhibits. But once alumni and donors actually can see for themselves that the university is serious about construction might be easier for them to have faith the project will be completed and donate the money necessary.

At the same time, it is important to remember that the Broads have now provided more than half of the money needed for the building’s completion. Instead of questioning whether this is the right move in this economic climate, students and alumni should acknowledge and appreciate what the Broads are trying to do to improve our university. After all, they’re entitled to do what they like with their money.

Although we believe the development and construction of a new museum is a good idea, the design is something worth questioning. Its modern, unconventional and downright ugly appearance makes it look nothing like anything on campus.

Despite the museum’s appearance, it will be better than the current facilities housed in the Kresge Art Center. The staff and volunteers at the Kresge Art Museum do an excellent job with what they have, but they do not possess the tools or the building necessary to be a notable art museum.

Having a brand-new and state-of-the-art structure almost certainly will bring more people to MSU’s campus, possibly giving the local economy a very welcomed boost. Also, making improvements in the arts at MSU might help create a more diverse environment and learning experience. A strong arts program isn’t the first thing to come to mind when one thinks of MSU, and now the university has the opportunity to change that perception.

Beginning construction on the museum does not guarantee the final $7 million will be donated to the university. But by putting a shovel in the ground and making visible steps toward the museums’s completion, MSU is giving alumni and other donors more incentive to contribute. Breaking ground — even without all the necessary funds — is a risk worth taking, and we are confident that MSU’s leaders and alumni will see this project through to the very end.

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