Arts Center at Liberty Station, ‘The Joan,’ Attracts $8 Million in New Funding

Two multimillion-dollar gifts will go toward the funding of the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center at Liberty Station, it was announced Tuesday.

A $5 million endowment from the Joseph W. Clayes III Charitable Trust and $3 million from Irwin Jacobs – bringing the Jacobs’ total contribution to $10 million – will support the center dubbed The Joan, currently under construction and slated to be finished in summer 2025.

The center, a partnership between the Cygnet Theatre and NTC Foundation, will be part of a renovated Naval Building 178. It includes the Joseph W. Clayes III Theatre, with more more than 280 seats, as well as a smaller 150-seat flexible studio space.

Liberty Station was developed on the site of the former Naval Training Center, where recruits first gathered in 1923. The site remained Navy property for decades. Trulette Clayes, trustee and niece of Joseph Clayes III, wanted to honor her uncle’ links to the center.

“My uncle completed his naval training at the Naval Training Center and also had a strong connection with the performing arts. When I was traveling through Liberty Station and noticed the signage on The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, I thought that this was the perfect blend of my uncle’s history and his love of the arts,” she said.

Jacobs, a co-founder of Qualcomm, contributed an additional $3 million to The Joan, nicknamed in honor of his wife, Joan Jacobs, who died in May.

“Joan and I were thrilled when we learned of plans to convert Naval Building 178 into a spectacular theater for use by Cygnet and many others,” Jacobs said. “Given the unexpected costs in restoring historic buildings, I am pleased to provide this additional gift to help ensure completion on schedule. My family looks forward to attending the first performance at The Joan.”

With the newest contributions, the project is now at 86% of its $43.5 million fundraising goal.

The Clayes endowment provides $1 million annually over five years. The first distribution of funds will be sent this month, with subsequent disbursements each December through 2028, according to a a statement.

“This gift and endowment represents an unwavering commitment to the arts in San Diego, helping us maintain a vibrant cultural hub,” said Lisa Johnson, NTC Foundation president and CEO.

Donations may be made online.