ArtsCentric Kicks Off Capital Campaign For New Home

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For nearly two decades, ArtsCentric has provided dynamic productions of some of Broadways most celebrated and memorable musicals and plays.

Dreamgirls, Chicago, Smokey Joe’s Café and Aida, count among the award-winning productions that have taken place in Baltimore because of the commitment of ArtsCentric, which was founded in 2013 by a group of Morgan State University students and alumni.

Since 2012, ArtsCentric has called the small Motor House Theater at 120 W. North Avenue in Baltimore it’s home. Now, as the productions continue to dazzle, ArtsCentric is looking for a new home.

The organization has announced the kickoff of its Capital Campaign, titled, “When I think of Home,” seeking to raise $250,000 to support their move into their own theater.

Plans include transitioning the 16-year-old color-conscious performance arts organization into a new location at 2600 N. Howard Street in the heart of the Remington community.

The move also will provide production, office, and other equipment and technology, and assist in increasing community visibility and outreach that will increase the sustainability of the organization, according to an ArtsCentric news release on Tuesday, July 2, 2019.

The move comes with the support of the Greater Remington Improvement Association, according to the news release, which also notes that in October, ArtsCentric will take residence in the space adjacent to Young Audiences of Maryland/Arts for Learning.

“We believe that with key improvements, this will be the perfect space for us to realize our vision, grow our community impact, and expand our performances and programming over the next many years,” said Cedric D. Lyles, director of Operations for ArtsCentric.

In 2011, Seawall Development transformed the popular Tire Shop property at 2600 N. Howard Street (a designated local landmark on the National Register of Historic Places), into a performance venue and restaurant.

As part of a 2019 strategic reorganization plan, ArtsCentric sought out more permanent space to call home. In addition to mainstage productions, with the opening of an adjacent restaurant, Lyles and others envisions a Cultural Arts Center that will become a gathering spot for events and conversations that support the arts, tackle persistent issues in local communities, and create opportunities to engage with live music and showcase local artists.

“A permanent home will give us the stability necessary to best serve the community, strive toward our mission, and expand opportunities for new programming”, said Kevin McAllister, Artistic Director for ArtsCentric.

The Capital Campaign is structured so that the community can contribute with recognition opportunities.

“The generosity of our community continues to amaze us,” said McAllister, who noted that ArtsCentric relies on the kindness of individual donors, grants, corporate partners, and foundations.

The campaign will culminate at an annual fundraising Gala on October 20, 2019 and with a later staging of The Wiz – which influenced the Capital Campaign’s title, to celebrate the popular musical’s 40th anniversary.

For more information about the Capital Campaign, ArtsCentric performances or to make a donation, visit: www.artscentric.org.