San Benito Dance Connection’s dress rehearsal for Alice in Wonderland at the Henry Mello Center in Watsonville. Photo by Dana Parker
San Benito Dance Connection’s dress rehearsal for Alice in Wonderland at the Henry Mello Center in Watsonville. Photo by Dana Parker

This article was written by BenitoLink intern Ariana Rivera. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

A local nonprofit for the arts in San Benito County is making strides as it has raised enough funds to pursue a feasibility study, considered the first step in its efforts to build a performing arts center for the community.

In September 2023, San Benito County artists came together during BenitoLink’s listening sessions and shared concerns over the lack of a performing arts venue.

Shortly after the listening session, a group came together to form the Pinnacles Arts Association.

Dana and Charles Parker, heads of the Pinnacles Arts Association nonprofit, were set to meet with theater design consultants Theatre DNA in Los Angeles last month so the company could start to collect data on what kind of center is feasible to construct or renovate in the area.

The Parkers have been raising funds for the last couple of years, mostly from individual donors and corporate sponsors, to put toward the study.

In the last couple of years, Dana and Charles have raised $45,000 and have received $10,000 in verbal pledges to cover the $55,000 cost of the study.

With regard to building the center, Charles estimated it to cost around $20 million, although the study will provide them with a more accurate figure.

The study will answer questions including what size the center should be, who would benefit from it and what kinds of facilities would need to be installed backstage.

“We’re trying to get in front of all this with a proper plan, so that every dollar that’s put into this project is spent wisely,” Charles said.

They plan on using the completed study to apply for grants and attract investors to permanently fund the performing arts.

San Benito Dance Connection dancers at the Henry Mello Center in Watsonville. Photo by Dana Parker.
San Benito Dance Connection dancers at the Henry Mello Center in Watsonville. Photo by Dana Parker.

The Parkers are planning a town hall meeting in September where they will explain the feasibility study, answer questions, and allow for an open dialogue with attendees to gather input on their project from the community. 

Dana and Charles have put together a board for the nonprofit, which includes individuals in leadership positions in organizations such as San Benito Dance Academy, San Benito Stage Company, and 6th Street Studios & Art Center.

“We were able to identify there was a problem that everyone is having, regardless of the way they were doing performing arts, they were struggling without a [permanent] place to do it,” Charles said.

The Parkers said that they took on this project so that the various arts organizations in the community could focus on their art and showcase it in a proper facility, without having to worry about finding a space to rent.

“We want it to be a home for all of the organizations,” Dana said.

The Parkers said that the Pinnacles Arts Association is always welcoming new perspectives and additional support. Their website includes information on how to provide this support and contact them with any questions, comments, or feedback.

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour, United Way, Taylor Farms and the Emma Bowen Foundation.