Having a space of your own is a dream for many, and for performance group LED, that dream is now coming true. Thanks to a generous $200,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, LED has secured a 20-year lease on a historic 6,658-square-foot building in Garden City (3300 W. Chinden Boulevard). This new venue will feature telescopic seating for 150 guests and will provide the perfect place to share talent and hard work with the community.
The theater design is a collaborative effort between Jeff Hatch of Hatch Design and OPSIS, a design firm based in Portland, Oregon. Together, they are creating a space that reflects LED’s innovative spirit, with a design that balances functionality with creative expression. "The magnitude of this grant recognizes LED's accomplishments as an innovative arts organization," said Mallory Walker, LED's Managing Director. "The funding will play a critical role in transforming the building into a cutting-edge arts hub, where performances, rehearsals, artist residencies, and community engagement will thrive.”
Renovations began in October, with plans to complete Phase 1 by April 2025. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust offers grants to organizations in the Pacific Northwest that are working to strengthen the region’s cultural and educational base in creative and sustainable ways. Their commitment to the arts is evident in this grant, which will help make Garden City a destination for the arts.
Founded in 2015, LED is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to creating original dance, music, and film productions. The new Garden City space won’t just be for LED’s artists—it will also provide access to local artists, organizations, and educational institutions. This new space will be a creative haven for 50-100 artists annually, and it’s expected to welcome over 10,000 people through its doors each year. The theater will host performances, provide rehearsal space, and foster artistic collaborations, contributing to the rich cultural landscape of the region.
"This moment is truly a turning point for LED," said Lauren Edson, LED's Artistic Director and Co-founder. "Our new home will not only provide a permanent space for our artists to create and innovate, but it will also become a center of artistic vibrancy, where audiences and creatives can come together to experience something extraordinary. With the support of the Murdock Charitable Trust, we're building more than just a phenomenal home—we're shaping the future of LED and the arts community here."
While the $200,000 grant is a fantastic start, the estimated cost of the renovation is $2 million, meaning there’s still work to be done. The community’s support will be vital to making this project a success. LED is committed to creating a space that will not only house its own artists but also serve as a resource for the entire arts community. With that, the project will be an anchor for the arts in Garden City for many years to come.
To learn more about the theater, upcoming productions, and how you can support the renovation, visit LED’s capital campaign page (ledboise.com/capital.) Whether you’re interested in donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference in the future of arts in the region.