After three years of construction, a new cultural arts center will be opening in August 2013 to bring local arts together in Tuscaloosa.
Kevin Ledgewood, publicist for The Arts Council, said The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center should benefit the area in several ways. The grand opening is scheduled for Aug. 29, Dinah Washington’s birthday.
“People may not always see it this way, but we believe the arts is always a boost to the local economy wherever you are,” Ledgewood said. “We see many benefits as far as its impact in the community goes.”
The CAC will also benefit the downtown area. The center will be located in the former Allen & Jemison building on the corner of 7th Street and Greensboro Avenue, on the same block as the Bama Theatre. Renovations on the building began in May 2010, and after three years of work, The Arts Council is looking forward to it becoming a central location for the arts.
The center is named after the famous American blues singer and pianist Dinah Washington. A native of and prominent figure of Tuscaloosa, he was heavily involved in the arts.
James Davis, a third-year UA graduate student studying art, said he was looking forward to the gallery opening.
“I think it will further bridge the gap between academic arts and community achievement,” he said. “The central location will entice viewers to come by. I think it’s a good thing for Tuscaloosa.”
Davis said he hopes the center will provide an added spotlight for the arts in Tuscaloosa.
“I think it will bring exposure to the arts in this town,” he said. “We have Kentuck and the University and the Paul Jones Gallery, but we don’t have much else. And that just gives a small glimpse of the arts in Tuscaloosa.”
The space will also provide the community with educational programs and opportunities.
“It will be another venue for students to come and learn, and so it will add a lot to the community through that as well,” Ledgewood said.
The center will have two gallery spaces. One will be The Art Council’s space and one will be for the University. The galleries will be free and open to the public. There will also be a black box theatre space. In addition, the center will house offices for local arts groups.
With one exhibit space dedicated to University students, the arts center will bring campus into the heart of downtown.
“I think it will be a good way to connect the University with the surrounding Tuscaloosa area,” said Andrea Muñoz, a junior majoring in biology. “It’s a cool idea and I like that there is a space for student work. Although I am not an artist myself, I enjoy looking at artists’ work, especially when it is my peers.”
Ledgewood said they would be unable to advertise space in the building until it was officially open in August.
The City of Tuscaloosa received a $1.5 million grant to renovate the infrastructure of the building with The Arts Council concluding the project at an estimated cost of $1.25 million. These funds are currently being raised by The Arts Council from within the community.
As of March 20, 2013, The Arts Council has raised $991,365, including the $500,000 from the Tuscaloosa County Commission. They are still looking to raise $130,000 to complete the construction of the first floor.
Additional funds will be needed to outfit offices, construct the black box theatre and for operating costs. In 2013, a manager will be needed to run night and weekend events at the CAC galleries and black box theatre space. Ledgewood said The Arts Council has taken out the first loan in the organization’s history to complete construction on the first floor. All current donors can be seen on cac.tuscarts.org.
Tours of the CAC while under construction are available anytime by contacting The Arts Council.
