Arkansas State University has announced a $25 million pledge from the Little Rock-based Windgate Foundation in support of the construction and maintenance of a new building dedicated to art and innovation.

The largest financial contribution in the university’s history will name the Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation. The gift includes $20 million in support of construction and $5 million designated for an endowment that will fund building maintenance. Specific areas discussed for initial collaborations include a new digital innovation master’s degree program through the Neil Griffin College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts and Communication’s (CLAC) Department of Art + Design. In 2022, the university will launch an open period of fundraising and formal discussions related to specifics of the Windgate Hall facility, including further work toward establishing timelines for groundbreaking and construction schedules.

“Art is a part of every endeavor, and the goal of the Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation is to create new curriculum that fuses together art, science, design, and innovation,” said ASU chancellor Kelly Damphousse. “Whether it is a bridge, a building, or a business plan — when it is excellent and elegant we call it ‘a work of art.’ Windgate Hall will open collaborations between art and engineering, art and science, art and business, art and computer programming, art and a wide range of disciplines we’ve not imagined yet.”