Exciting changes are on the horizon for Southwest Tennessee Community College as the school sets plans in motion to renovate and revitalize its arts facilities at the Union Avenue Campus. The $4 million project, part of the college’s Southwest Entertainment Production Initiative (SEPI), marks a major investment in the future of Memphis’ creative talent pipeline.
Announced on June 16, the multi-phase renovation will breathe new life into the campus’s 50-year-old theater and music spaces, positioning Southwest as a hub for hands-on arts education in the city. The initiative is part of a larger campaign to enhance the Communication, Graphic and Fine Arts (CGFA) department, which houses both music and theater programs.
The project is already gaining strong community support. The Assisi Foundation of Memphis has pledged $500,000 toward the renovation. A $1.5 million grant from the Tennessee GIVE (Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education) 3.0 program will kick off Phase I of the project, which includes the creation of a state-of-the-art music recording studio. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2026 and finish by the end of that summer.
Phase II will focus on transforming the existing theater into a modern, 1,150-square-foot performance space with seating for 130 and professional-grade equipment. The timeline for this phase is dependent on securing additional funding.
Currently, Southwest’s music and theater programs have limited resources, including practice rooms and a basic recording studio that is not fully functional. The new upgrades aim to bridge this gap, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s entertainment and production industries.
“The new facilities will allow us to address students’ needs with the current technology available,” said Diana Fedinec, Director of Public Relations and Media at Southwest. “We’ll be able to incorporate digital media, computer-based tools, and combine audio and visual elements across musical and theatrical performances.”
The initiative is also about building a stronger ecosystem of collaboration. Through SEPI, Southwest is strengthening partnerships with key institutions across Memphis’ arts community, including the University of Memphis Theatre & Dance department, Stax Music Academy, Hattiloo Theatre, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Playhouse on the Square, Theatre Memphis, Germantown Community Theatre, and the Emerald Theatre Company. These collaborations are designed to provide students with access to internships, mentorships, and real-world training.
Southwest also plans to expand outreach to local high schools such as Briarcrest and Bartlett, offering dual enrollment opportunities and summer arts camps to help develop the next generation of Memphis creatives even earlier.
The college’s current degree programs include an Associate of Arts in Theater Arts for Transfer, a theatrical performance degree, and a technical theater certificate—offering a well-rounded foundation in both performance and behind-the-scenes production.
Students like Rico Parker, who is completing a dual major in nursing and theater, say the impact of the program is already shaping their future. “As a theater major, this program has done great things for me,” said Parker. “I have a big, great future ahead of me. It’s all thanks to Southwest.”
With SEPI, Southwest Tennessee Community College is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected creative community—one that nurtures local talent and keeps Memphis’ rich artistic legacy alive.
