The Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center is moving to Automobile Alley, which is good news for the Oklahoma art scene. Yesterday, the organization announced plans for a $26 million campaign to establish a larger arts campus on NW 11th and Broadway in OKC’s Automobile Alley. The new center will include a 4.6-acre campus, allowing OCAC to house 8,000 square feet of gallery space, a 3,000-square foot dance studio, and a 150-seat performance space. Along with already successful classes in 2-D and 3-D arts, additional classes focusing on animation, filmmaking, 3-D printing, metalwork, and jewelry-making will be added to the curriculum at the new location.
The Oklahoma Contemporary is already a prominent force in Oklahoma art, standing out partially due to its decision not to collect it. This speaks to the center’s dedication to “visual and performing arts education for youth, teens, and adults,” as Board President and Co-Founder Christian Keesee said in a press release. In fact, since its beginning in 1989, the center’s goal has been to keep art accessible through free exhibitions, public programs, outreach to underserved communities, and scholarships.
The new campus will also house 8,000 square feet of gallery space, a 3,000-square foot dance studio, and a 150-seat performance space. They have currently reached half their goal with $13 million already donated to the campaign. Notably, contemporary artist Ed Ruscha was announced as the campaign’s distinguished honorary chair. Although now based in California, Ruscha actually grew up in Oklahoma City, graduating from Classen High School.
“The progress is exciting for us and for the state of Oklahoma,” said Donna Rinehart-Keever, Oklahoma Contemporary’s executive director. “The new arts campus will allow us to extend our reach throughout the region.”
The main building is set to open in 2018, and the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center will continue at its current location in the state fairgrounds until the new campus is finished. For more information, visit oklahomacontemporary.org.
