McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) has secured a new space in the Signet Building in downtown McLean, setting the stage for the development of a state-of-the-art arts and education center. This new facility will complement MPA’s current programming at the McLean Community Center and is expected to open in September 2025. 

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to designate $500,000 from the County’s Economic Opportunity Reserve (EOR) toward the construction of the new arts and education center. The EOR, designed to support “economic development activities of strategic importance,” will help fund the build-out of the downtown McLean location, ensuring the space becomes a cultural beacon for the community. 

“The arts and education center, located in the heart of McLean, will not only be a landmark for the arts, but will serve as a space for residents to gather and connect,” said Fairfax County Supervisor Jimmy Bierman. 

“This new arts and education center will greatly enhance McLean’s cultural and economic landscape,” said Lori Carbonneau, executive director of MPA. “It will also create a dynamic and essential new platform for the region’s artists and art community, providing increased visibility and opportunities for artistic expression.” 

The new space will allow MPA to broaden its reach, offering a wider array of exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, while also serving as a catalyst for increased community engagement. 

MPA@MCC: 1234 Ingleside Ave.; McLean, Va. 22101; 703-790-1953 www.mpaart.org @mp4a