9+ Ferguson Center Newport News VA News & Events


9+ Ferguson Center Newport News VA News & Events

A outstanding performing arts venue positioned in Newport Information, Virginia, serves as a cultural hub for the area. It’s a multi-purpose facility designed to host all kinds of occasions, starting from Broadway reveals and live shows to lectures and neighborhood gatherings. For instance, this location usually options performances by nationally and internationally famend artists, attracting audiences from throughout the Hampton Roads space.

This institution gives vital advantages to the neighborhood. It enriches the cultural panorama, gives instructional alternatives by means of its various programming, and contributes to the native financial system by attracting guests and supporting close by companies. Its historical past displays a dedication to offering accessible and high-quality arts experiences, fostering a way of civic pleasure and engagement inside the area. It additionally serves as a venue for native arts organizations, offering a platform for rising expertise and selling regional inventive expression.

The next sections will delve into the architectural particulars of the constructing, study the particular kinds of occasions sometimes hosted, and discover the venue’s function in shaping the cultural id of Newport Information and the encircling Hampton Roads space. It’s going to additionally cowl ticketing data and methods to get entangled.

1. Performing Arts Venue

The Ferguson Heart for the Arts in Newport Information, Virginia, capabilities primarily as a performing arts venue. This designation isn’t merely a descriptive label; it defines the establishment’s core function, actions, and affect. As a performing arts venue, the Ferguson Heart gives a bodily area and organizational construction for the presentation of stay performances, encompassing a broad spectrum of inventive disciplines. The cause-and-effect relationship is direct: the necessity for a devoted area to showcase theatrical productions, musical performances, and dance recitals led to the institution and design of the Ferguson Heart. With out its perform as a performing arts venue, the Ferguson Heart would lack its central raison d’tre. Its theaters, live performance halls, and assist areas are particularly engineered to accommodate a lot of these occasions. As an example, the middle often hosts touring Broadway productions, symphonic orchestras, and world-renowned dance firms, every requiring specialised technical capabilities that the venue gives.

The significance of being a performing arts venue extends past merely housing performances. The Ferguson Heart acts as a catalyst for cultural enrichment inside the Hampton Roads area. It gives residents entry to a various vary of inventive experiences that may in any other case be unavailable. The provision of such a venue can stimulate arts schooling, foster appreciation for various cultures, and improve the general high quality of life for the neighborhood. For instance, the Ferguson Heart usually hosts scholar matinees and workshops, introducing younger individuals to the performing arts and cultivating future generations of artists and viewers members. The sensible significance of understanding this lies in recognizing the very important function the Ferguson Heart performs within the cultural ecosystem. It underscores the necessity for continued assist from each private and non-private sources to make sure its long-term sustainability and accessibility.

In abstract, the designation of the Ferguson Heart as a performing arts venue is prime to its id and function. Its perform as such instantly influences its design, programming, and affect on the neighborhood. Challenges stay in making certain equitable entry to its choices and sustaining its relevance in an evolving cultural panorama. Nonetheless, by recognizing and valuing its function as a central hub for the performing arts, Newport Information and the encircling area can proceed to learn from the cultural, instructional, and financial alternatives it gives.

2. Christopher Newport College

Christopher Newport College (CNU) maintains a essential relationship with the Ferguson Heart for the Arts. This relationship extends past easy proximity, representing a symbiotic partnership that considerably impacts the cultural and academic panorama of the area.

  • Possession and Operation

    CNU owns and operates the Ferguson Heart. This governance construction ensures that the middle’s programming aligns with the college’s mission of offering instructional and cultural enrichment to college students and the broader neighborhood. The college’s monetary assets and administrative oversight are essential to the middle’s operational stability and long-term planning. For instance, college funds usually assist inventive residencies and outreach applications that may not be financially viable in any other case.

  • Tutorial Integration

    The Ferguson Heart serves as a studying laboratory for CNU college students, notably these enrolled in performing arts applications. College students acquire sensible expertise in areas comparable to stage administration, lighting design, sound engineering, and humanities administration by means of internships and volunteer alternatives on the middle. This integration of educational idea with real-world utility enhances their talent units and prepares them for careers within the arts. CNU’s theater division often phases productions on the Ferguson Heart, offering college students with high-profile efficiency alternatives.

  • Shared Sources and Services

    The college and the performing arts venue share assets and amenities, creating efficiencies and maximizing using obtainable area. CNU college students and college make the most of the Ferguson Heart’s rehearsal rooms, costume retailers, and technical tools for tutorial functions. The venue’s workers usually gives technical experience and assist to school productions. This shared infrastructure fosters collaboration and reduces duplication of assets.

  • Neighborhood Engagement and Outreach

    The Ferguson Heart acts as a bridge between the college and the broader neighborhood, internet hosting occasions that appeal to various audiences and promote cultural trade. CNU school members usually current lectures, workshops, and performances on the middle, sharing their experience with the general public. The college makes use of the venue to host neighborhood occasions, comparable to commencement ceremonies and alumni gatherings, strengthening its ties to the area. This synergistic relationship advantages each the college and the neighborhood by offering entry to high-quality arts programming and academic alternatives.

The connection between Christopher Newport College and the Ferguson Heart extends past a easy landlord-tenant relationship. The college’s possession, tutorial integration, shared assets, and neighborhood outreach initiatives underscore a deep and mutually useful partnership. This synergy is crucial for the middle’s continued success and its function as a number one cultural establishment within the Hampton Roads space. The continued assist and funding from Christopher Newport College are very important to the Ferguson Heart’s skill to satisfy its mission and serve the neighborhood.

3. Broadway Sequence

The Ferguson Heart for the Arts in Newport Information, Virginia, presents a recurring “Broadway Sequence” that serves as a significant factor of its programming. The Broadway Sequence instantly contributes to the middle’s mission of offering various and high-quality performing arts experiences to the Hampton Roads neighborhood. The cause-and-effect relationship is obvious: the neighborhood’s demand for nationally acknowledged theatrical productions led to the institution of the Broadway Sequence as a daily characteristic of the Ferguson Heart’s season. The significance of this sequence lies in its skill to draw massive audiences, generate income, and improve the middle’s repute as a premier venue for stay leisure. For instance, previous seasons have included productions comparable to Depraved, Hamilton, and The Lion King, drawing attendees from throughout the area and past. This inflow of patrons helps native companies and bolsters the native financial system. Understanding this connection is virtually vital as a result of it highlights the middle’s function as a significant financial driver and cultural asset.

Additional evaluation reveals that the Broadway Sequence not solely gives leisure but additionally gives instructional alternatives. Usually, the Ferguson Heart companions with native colleges and neighborhood organizations to offer discounted tickets and academic workshops associated to the Broadway productions. These initiatives introduce younger individuals to the world of theater and foster an appreciation for the performing arts. The success of the Broadway Sequence relies on cautious planning and advertising, together with securing rights to widespread reveals, negotiating contracts with touring firms, and implementing efficient promoting campaigns. The middle’s workers should additionally be certain that its amenities are correctly outfitted to accommodate the technical necessities of Broadway-caliber productions. Challenges embrace managing rising manufacturing prices and competing with different leisure choices within the area.

In abstract, the Broadway Sequence is an integral a part of the Ferguson Heart’s id and its contribution to the neighborhood. It gives each leisure and academic alternatives whereas additionally serving as an financial engine for the area. The long-term success of the Broadway Sequence relies on continued funding in infrastructure, strategic partnerships with touring firms, and a dedication to accessibility for all members of the neighborhood. Addressing challenges, comparable to rising manufacturing prices, and capitalizing on alternatives for innovation, comparable to integrating digital applied sciences into the theatrical expertise, will be certain that the Ferguson Heart stays a vibrant and related cultural establishment for years to come back.

4. Cultural Enrichment

The Ferguson Heart for the Arts in Newport Information, Virginia, considerably contributes to the cultural enrichment of the Hampton Roads area. This contribution manifests in a number of distinct methods, fostering an atmosphere the place various inventive expressions are valued and accessible.

  • Numerous Programming

    The middle’s programming spans a variety of inventive disciplines, together with music, theater, dance, and visible arts. This selection exposes audiences to totally different cultural traditions and inventive types, broadening their understanding and appreciation of the humanities. For instance, the middle would possibly host a efficiency by a classical symphony orchestra one week and a contemporary dance troupe the following, offering alternatives for audiences to expertise contrasting types of inventive expression.

  • Instructional Outreach

    The establishment actively engages in instructional outreach applications, providing workshops, masterclasses, and scholar matinees designed to introduce younger individuals to the performing arts. These initiatives not solely domesticate future audiences but additionally foster creativity and important considering expertise amongst college students. College districts usually accomplice with the middle to offer college students with publicity to stay performances that complement their classroom curriculum.

  • Neighborhood Engagement

    The middle serves as a gathering place for the neighborhood, internet hosting occasions that carry individuals collectively and promote social interplay. Neighborhood theater teams and native arts organizations often make the most of the venue to showcase their skills and join with audiences. Moreover, the middle collaborates with native companies and civic organizations to sponsor occasions and promote cultural tourism.

  • Accessibility

    Efforts are made to make sure that the middle’s programming is accessible to a various viewers, no matter socioeconomic standing or bodily skill. Discounted tickets are sometimes obtainable for college kids, seniors, and navy personnel. The power itself is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, with options comparable to wheelchair ramps, accessible seating, and assistive listening units.

These sides collectively underscore the very important function that the Ferguson Heart for the Arts performs in enriching the cultural panorama of Newport Information and the encircling area. By providing various programming, partaking in instructional outreach, fostering neighborhood engagement, and prioritizing accessibility, the middle contributes to a extra vibrant and culturally knowledgeable society.

5. Neighborhood Engagement

The Ferguson Heart for the Arts in Newport Information, Virginia, fosters neighborhood engagement by means of varied strategic initiatives. This engagement isn’t a mere afterthought however an integral element of the middle’s operational philosophy. A main explanation for this focus is the popularity {that a} performing arts venue thrives when it actively cultivates relationships with the encircling neighborhood. The impact is a reciprocal profit: the neighborhood positive aspects entry to cultural enrichment, whereas the middle secures a loyal viewers base and reinforces its function as a significant neighborhood asset. Neighborhood engagement, on this context, is paramount because it transforms the venue from a mere constructing right into a dynamic area for shared experiences and civic participation. As an example, the middle routinely companions with native colleges to supply discounted tickets and academic workshops, making the humanities accessible to a broader spectrum of the inhabitants. With out energetic neighborhood engagement, the Ferguson Heart dangers turning into remoted and failing to completely notice its potential as a cultural hub.

Additional evaluation reveals a number of sensible purposes of this community-focused method. The Ferguson Heart usually hosts free neighborhood occasions, comparable to out of doors live shows and artwork exhibitions, attracting various audiences who may not in any other case attend ticketed performances. These occasions not solely present leisure but additionally create alternatives for social interplay and neighborhood constructing. The middle additionally collaborates with native artists and humanities organizations, offering them with a platform to showcase their skills and join with the neighborhood. For instance, the Ferguson Heart would possibly host an exhibition of works by native painters or a efficiency by a neighborhood theater group. These collaborations strengthen the native arts ecosystem and foster a way of pleasure in the neighborhood’s inventive achievements.

In abstract, neighborhood engagement is a cornerstone of the Ferguson Heart’s success and its optimistic affect on the area. The middle’s energetic efforts to attach with colleges, native artists, and various audiences underscore its dedication to being greater than only a performing arts venue; it strives to be a vibrant middle for cultural trade and neighborhood constructing. Challenges stay, comparable to making certain equitable entry to all segments of the inhabitants, however the Ferguson Heart’s ongoing dedication to neighborhood engagement positions it as a key driver of cultural and civic life in Newport Information and past.

6. Financial Impression

The Ferguson Heart for the Arts in Newport Information, Virginia, generates vital financial affect inside the area. This affect extends past direct income from ticket gross sales and encompasses varied oblique advantages, contributing considerably to the native financial system.

  • Tourism and Hospitality

    The middle attracts guests from outdoors the quick Newport Information space, boosting the native tourism and hospitality industries. These guests require lodging, meals, and transportation, producing income for lodges, eating places, and transportation suppliers. For instance, a significant Broadway manufacturing can draw attendees from throughout the Hampton Roads area and past, leading to elevated lodge occupancy charges and restaurant patronage. The impact underscores the middle’s function as a vacation spot venue that drives regional tourism.

  • Job Creation

    The establishment instantly and not directly helps employment alternatives. Direct employment consists of workers positions on the middle, comparable to ushers, technicians, and administrative personnel. Oblique employment is generated by means of the assist companies required to function the venue, together with catering, safety, and advertising. As an example, native companies could profit from contracts to offer items and companies to the middle, creating further jobs in the neighborhood. The ensuing financial stimulus is a key indicator of the venue’s broad affect.

  • Native Enterprise Assist

    Companies positioned close to the Ferguson Heart profit from elevated foot visitors and spending. Patrons attending occasions on the middle usually patronize close by eating places, retailers, and parking amenities. This elevated enterprise exercise can result in increased revenues and elevated financial stability for native companies. Pre-show dinners and post-show drinks contribute considerably to the earnings of surrounding institutions, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between the venue and the native enterprise neighborhood.

  • Tax Income Era

    The financial exercise generated by the Ferguson Heart ends in elevated tax revenues for the town and state. Gross sales taxes from ticket gross sales, restaurant meals, and retail purchases contribute to authorities coffers, supporting public companies and infrastructure initiatives. Property taxes from the venue itself and surrounding companies additionally contribute to the tax base. This tax income stream represents a tangible profit to the neighborhood, enabling funding in important companies.

In conclusion, the Ferguson Heart for the Arts serves as a significant financial engine for Newport Information and the encircling Hampton Roads area. The sides outlined above collectively reveal the numerous monetary advantages that the venue gives, contributing to tourism, job creation, native enterprise assist, and tax income technology. These financial impacts underscore the significance of continued funding in and assist for the Ferguson Heart, making certain its long-term sustainability and its function as a catalyst for financial development within the area.

7. Instructional Outreach

Instructional outreach constitutes a big perform of the Ferguson Heart for the Arts in Newport Information, Virginia. These initiatives prolong the middle’s affect past leisure, offering instructional alternatives to college students and neighborhood members and reinforcing its function as a cultural and academic useful resource.

  • Scholar Matinees and Performances

    The Ferguson Heart often hosts scholar matinees, offering discounted tickets to highschool teams for choose performances. These matinees expose college students to stay theater and different performing arts, usually complementing their classroom research. For instance, a manufacturing of To Kill a Mockingbird is perhaps supplied to center and highschool college students finding out the novel, enhancing their understanding of the textual content and its themes. These backed occasions intention to domesticate a lifelong appreciation for the humanities.

  • Workshops and Masterclasses

    The middle conducts workshops and masterclasses led by visiting artists and performers. These classes supply college students and neighborhood members the chance to study from skilled professionals in varied inventive disciplines. A masterclass with a famend violinist, as an illustration, may present superior college students with invaluable insights into approach and efficiency apply. This direct interplay with established artists gives inspiration and sensible data.

  • Partnerships with Instructional Establishments

    The Ferguson Heart collaborates with native colleges, faculties, and universities to develop instructional applications and initiatives. These partnerships could contain curriculum improvement, artist residencies, and joint performances. For instance, Christopher Newport College college students usually take part in internships on the middle, gaining sensible expertise in arts administration and technical theater. These alliances strengthen the connection between the middle and the educational neighborhood, fostering a synergistic relationship.

  • Neighborhood Arts Packages

    The establishment helps and promotes neighborhood arts applications designed to succeed in underserved populations. These applications could embrace free workshops, performances, and artwork exhibitions held in neighborhood facilities and colleges. The target is to make the humanities accessible to all members of the neighborhood, no matter socioeconomic background or geographic location. As an example, the middle would possibly sponsor a sequence of artwork lessons at a local people middle, offering entry to inventive expression for people who could not in any other case have the chance.

These elements of instructional outreach underscore the Ferguson Heart’s dedication to fostering a culturally enriched neighborhood. By offering entry to the humanities, facilitating instructional applications, and collaborating with instructional establishments, the middle contributes to the event of future artists, arts patrons, and engaged residents. This multifaceted method solidifies the Ferguson Heart’s place as a significant useful resource for schooling and cultural improvement in Newport Information and the encircling area.

8. Occasion Variety

The Ferguson Heart for the Arts in Newport Information, Virginia, thrives on occasion range, an important consider its sustained relevance and neighborhood engagement. The middle’s programming purposefully incorporates a large spectrum of performances and actions. The trigger is a strategic effort to enchantment to the various pursuits of the Hampton Roads inhabitants. The ensuing impact is a broader viewers attain, elevated neighborhood participation, and enhanced monetary stability for the establishment. Occasion range’s significance can’t be overstated; it instantly influences the middle’s capability to function a complete cultural hub, drawing people from all walks of life. A season encompassing Broadway productions, classical live shows, up to date dance performances, and kids’s theater demonstrates this precept. Such selection ensures that the venue caters to a wide selection of inventive tastes and demographic teams.

The sensible significance of understanding this aspect lies in recognizing the operational necessities for sustaining occasion range. The middle necessitates versatile amenities able to accommodating various technical wants, from the flowery units of touring Broadway reveals to the specialised lighting of dance performances. The scheduling requires meticulous planning to steadiness several types of occasions and keep away from conflicts. Advertising and marketing methods should be tailor-made to every occasion, successfully reaching particular goal audiences. Moreover, monetary assets should be allotted to assist a various program, doubtlessly requiring a mixture of ticket gross sales, sponsorships, and grants. For instance, securing funding for a free neighborhood live performance or a scholar matinee requires a special method than advertising a high-end Broadway manufacturing.

In abstract, occasion range is a core component of the Ferguson Heart’s id and its success as a cultural establishment. The venue’s skill to supply a variety of performances and actions contributes on to its neighborhood engagement, financial viability, and general relevance. Challenges exist in sustaining this range, requiring strategic planning, useful resource allocation, and focused advertising. Nonetheless, by prioritizing occasion range, the Ferguson Heart for the Arts continues to function a significant cultural asset for Newport Information and the encircling area.

9. Hampton Roads Location

The geographical positioning inside the Hampton Roads area of Virginia considerably influences the Ferguson Heart for the Arts in Newport Information. This location dictates accessibility, viewers demographics, and the Heart’s function inside the regional arts and tradition ecosystem.

  • Regional Accessibility

    The Heart’s location inside Hampton Roads, a significant metropolitan space, gives accessibility to a big and various inhabitants. Proximity to main transportation arteries facilitates attendance from throughout the area, together with cities comparable to Norfolk, Virginia Seashore, and Williamsburg. The convenience of entry will increase the Heart’s potential viewers base and broadens its attain past the quick Newport Information neighborhood.

  • Cultural Hub inside the Area

    The Ferguson Heart serves as a key cultural hub inside Hampton Roads, providing a venue for performances that may in any other case be unavailable within the space. Its presence enriches the area’s cultural panorama and gives a centralized location for arts fanatics to assemble. The Heart’s programming enhances different cultural establishments within the area, contributing to a vibrant and various arts atmosphere.

  • Financial Impression on Hampton Roads

    The Ferguson Heart’s presence generates financial exercise all through Hampton Roads. Guests attending occasions on the Heart contribute to the native financial system by means of spending on lodging, eating, and transportation. This financial affect advantages companies throughout the area and helps employment alternatives within the hospitality and tourism sectors.

  • Demographic Concerns

    The Hampton Roads area possesses a various demographic profile, influencing the Ferguson Heart’s programming and outreach efforts. The Heart seeks to cater to the various pursuits of the area’s inhabitants by providing a spread of performances and academic applications. Understanding the demographic traits of Hampton Roads is essential for successfully advertising the Heart’s choices and making certain its relevance to the neighborhood.

The Hampton Roads location is an integral issue shaping the Ferguson Heart for the Arts. Its accessibility, function as a regional cultural hub, financial affect, and demographic concerns all contribute to the Heart’s id and its contribution to the neighborhood. These components are important for the sustained success and relevance of the establishment inside the broader context of southeastern Virginia.

Often Requested Questions

This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the Ferguson Heart for the Arts in Newport Information, Virginia, offering clear and concise data to boost understanding of its operations and choices.

Query 1: What kinds of occasions are sometimes held on the Ferguson Heart for the Arts?

The venue hosts a various vary of occasions, together with Broadway productions, live shows by nationally and internationally acknowledged artists, dance performances, theatrical productions by Christopher Newport College’s Division of Theater and Dance, and neighborhood occasions. Particular occasion schedules can be found on the Ferguson Heart’s official web site.

Query 2: Is the Ferguson Heart for the Arts affiliated with Christopher Newport College?

Sure, the Ferguson Heart for the Arts is owned and operated by Christopher Newport College. The venue serves as a efficiency area for the college’s theater and music applications, and the college gives administrative and monetary assist for the middle.

Query 3: The place is the Ferguson Heart for the Arts positioned inside Newport Information, Virginia?

The power is located on the campus of Christopher Newport College, positioned at 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport Information, VA 23606. Its location gives handy entry for each college college students and members of the broader Hampton Roads neighborhood.

Query 4: What are the choices for buying tickets to occasions on the Ferguson Heart for the Arts?

Tickets could also be bought on-line by means of the Ferguson Heart’s official web site, by telephone by means of the field workplace, or in individual on the field workplace throughout working hours. Ticket availability and pricing fluctuate relying on the particular occasion.

Query 5: Are there accessibility lodging obtainable for patrons with disabilities?

The power is compliant with accessibility requirements. Lodging embrace wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible restrooms, assistive listening units, and designated parking areas. Patrons requiring particular lodging are inspired to contact the field workplace prematurely to make sure availability.

Query 6: What parking amenities can be found for occasions on the Ferguson Heart for the Arts?

Ample parking is offered on the Christopher Newport College campus. Particular parking areas could fluctuate relying on the occasion; signage and occasion workers present steerage to patrons upon arrival. Parking charges could apply for sure occasions.

In abstract, the Ferguson Heart for the Arts presents a wide selection of occasions, maintains a robust relationship with Christopher Newport College, and gives varied avenues for accessing performances and related data.

The next part will discover customer data and obtainable facilities on the venue.

Important Go to Ideas

This part gives essential pointers for a profitable go to to the performing arts venue. Adherence to those solutions ensures an optimum expertise.

Tip 1: Plan Forward for Ticketing: Buy tickets prematurely, particularly for widespread occasions. Bought-out performances are widespread, and securing tickets early ensures entry. On-line ticket purchases are advisable for comfort.

Tip 2: Evaluation Parking Choices: Familiarize oneself with parking preparations previous to arrival. Whereas ample parking exists on the Christopher Newport College campus, particular lot designations can fluctuate relying on the occasion. Allocate additional time to navigate parking and potential congestion.

Tip 3: Arrive Early: Arriving not less than half-hour earlier than the scheduled efficiency time is advisable. This permits for ample time to navigate safety, find seating, and overview this system. Late arrivals could also be topic to delayed seating or denied entry till an applicable break within the efficiency.

Tip 4: Adhere to Costume Code Pointers: Whereas the venue doesn’t impose a strict gown code, applicable apparel is inspired. Enterprise informal or good informal apparel is mostly appropriate for many performances. Consideration for fellow attendees is paramount.

Tip 5: Familiarize Your self with Venue Insurance policies: Evaluation the venue’s insurance policies relating to pictures, recording, and digital units. Unauthorized pictures and recording are sometimes prohibited. Guarantee cellular units are silenced earlier than the efficiency commences.

Tip 6: Contemplate Pre-Present Eating: Discover eating choices within the surrounding Newport Information space. Many eating places supply pre-show dinner specials catering to patrons attending occasions on the venue. Reservations are advisable, notably on efficiency nights.

Tip 7: Verify for Particular Occasions or Workshops: Inquire about any pre- or post-performance discussions, workshops, or particular occasions associated to the efficiency. These supplementary actions enrich the general expertise.

Following these suggestions maximizes the enjoyment of the Ferguson Heart expertise. Cautious preparation enhances the general go to.

The article will conclude within the subsequent part.

Conclusion

The previous evaluation explored varied sides of the Ferguson Heart Newport Information VA, emphasizing its function as a cultural hub, its affiliation with Christopher Newport College, its various programming together with the Broadway Sequence, its contribution to cultural enrichment and neighborhood engagement, and its financial affect on the Hampton Roads area. It additional addressed sensible data comparable to ticketing, accessibility, and suggestions for guests.

The continued success of the Ferguson Heart Newport Information VA is important to the cultural and financial well-being of the area. Sustained assist by means of patronage, neighborhood involvement, and strategic funding will guarantee its ongoing contribution to the humanities and high quality of life for generations to come back. Its relevance relies upon upon adaptability to evolving viewers preferences and a continued dedication to accessibility and inclusion.