Brewery Arts Center

Built in 1865, the site of the Brewery Arts Center is the place where Nevada's longest-operating brewery was established and was Nevada’s oldest business.  Today, the campus of the Brewery Arts Center is a multi-generational and multi-cultural art organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and have a positive economic impact on the community through the arts.  The BAC encompasses 2 city blocks, has 3 performance facilities, 2 art galleries, chemical darkroom, pottery and painting studios, art classrooms, summer outdoor amphitheater, artist services and also an Artisan Store which gives local artists an outlet for selling their work.

 Our current programming leverages our unique facilities to provide affordable community visual and performing arts classes in several mediums and for all ages and abilities.  Our instructors also provide arts education classes not only to the public but also to 5 schools within the Carson City School District.  As well as Juvenile Detention Center and various community outreach programs throughout the year. 

For two consecutive years, the Brewery Arts Center has been one of only 15 communities nationwide chosen for the Levitt AMP Award by the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation, a national private foundation dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of America through the power of free, live music.  With the grant the Brewery Arts Center produces 10 free concerts in the middle of their campus on the Minnesota Street Stage featuring a variety of genres by renowned artists.  Each concert averages nearly 1,000 attendees of all ages, offering easy, family friendly entertainment for all. 

The BAC seeks funds from the 2017 Nevada Big Give to support our “Arts in the Park” program now in its third year.   We have partnered with Food for Thought of Northern Nevada who provide lunches to 70-100 children per day at Park Terrace Park, a designated low income district, to provide every child in that neighborhood a chance for arts training with industry professionals after they have had lunch, five days per week.   This barrier free program will enable all youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in the arts, a chance to do so in a meaningful and consistent way.   This year we are adding the additional compentent of a Bell Choir into the existing program at the park. 

Exposure to the arts is essential for the development of children as well.  According to the U.S. Department of Justice, "students who participate in band, orchestra, chorus, or drama are significantly less likely than nonparticipants to drop out of school, be arrested, use drugs, or engage in binge drinking".  Our programs and events are barrier free due to scholarships funded by the community, business leaders and grants and give every citizen in our community an opportunity to participate in the arts which in turn, creates a well-rounded, well-informed community, which helps to build the citizen of tomorrow.