Oxford Community Arts Center: Home for the Art

Housed in a jewel of a historic building, the Oxford Community Arts Center is home to organizations and artists who otherwise would not have an affordable space in which to perform, display, work, and/or teach. It provides a beautiful space to host performances, exhibits, events, and classes for members of the Oxford area community. 

Since we opened our beautiful doors in 2006, the Oxford Community Arts Center has become a dynamic focus for arts in our community. Visual Arts. Theatre. Music. Dance. Gardens. Sculpture. In typical years, roughly 14,000 visitors enjoy and participate in programming. 

The Oxford Community Arts Center offers a range of programming and events that appeal to a multi-generational audience. Community members, from experienced practitioners to beginners, explore and experience art forms including:

•    visual arts

•    dance

•    theatre

•    music

•    gardening

•    creative writing

•    storytelling

•    and more

In a typical week, our building and grounds bustle with low-cost and free programs for people of all ages and abilities, who may not be able to access performances in nearby cities. For example, your generosity makes it possible to provide scholarships to children for arts programming, and bring together elders with dementia, their caretakers, and volunteers for Opening Minds Through Arts. 

Our Programming Committee works continuously to increase OCAC's reach into the community. An excellent example of that has been the Middle School Art Club bringing opportunities for art experiences to all who are interested.

Critical thinking, creativity, and communication—all skills enhanced through the arts—have been identified as essential skills that people need for career success in the Information Age. Oxford area kids from 2 to 102 (and everywhere in between) benefit from a curious, creative mindset, strengthening imagination, confidence, and problem-solving abilities through arts involvement. 

The coronavirus pandemic has adversely impacted cultural institutions across the world. the Oxford Community Arts Center  is no different. We understand that COVID-19 will make it harder for you to give this year. Yet, we hope you will. Even in the time of physical distancing, the Oxford Community Arts Center  is finding ways build community through The Arts: 

•    on our porch for reading or playing the community piano

•    strolling through our grounds and gardens

•    through small, socially-distanced, in-person classes

•    online performances and classes, including Virtual Second Friday concerts

•    open doors for viewing art exhibits 

•    sharing of art exhibits via our social media

https://www.facebook.com/OxfordCommunityArtsCenter/