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ARTS LEAGUE OF MICHIGAN
VIRGIL H. CARR CULTURAL ARTS CENTER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Arts League of Michigan (ALM) is a center that develops, promotes, presents and preserves the African and African American cultural arts traditions within our multicultural community. Over the years, ALM has offered a wide array of programs, services and activities for both artists and audiences.

The development of the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center is the next step in the evolution of the organization and moves to establish it and ALM as major participants in the cultural life of our community and the nation. Named in honor of Virgil H. Carr, past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arts League of Michigan, this facility will be recognized as the premier center for African and African American cultural arts programs and activities in the nation.

While many other organizations strive to serve and provide the community with African American cultural arts programs and services intermittently, the Carr Center will offer the community continuing year-round activities designed to reach and serve the city of Detroit and the region. Most meaningfully, the Center has far reaching capacity to uplift the citizens of Detroit—where the population exceeds 85% African American. The Center provides a voice to tell the story, present and promote the work, and preserve the legacy of African American art—in all disciplines.

Downtown Detroit is in a state of tremendous development and the Carr Center is there as a catalyst for economic revitalization and community development. The case for the Center is integral to livability, economic vitality, downtown revitalization and the education and development of the best of our youth, helping make Detroit a point of destination.

The Harmonie Club, located at 311 E. Grand River is a perfect location for the Carr Center. Constructed in 1895, the building and its subsequent club, known as the Harmonie Club was originated by the Harmonie Society, a musical society of German immigrants. The club was a place offering fine dining, tavern, card rooms, bowling alley, lounges and musical events. The club was sold in 1974 and stood vacant until the late 1990’s, when a pub opened in 2000 utilizing only the basement of the building.

Designed in classical Beaux Arts style, the building is four stories embellished by appealing stone work, and carefully designed curving windows, all reminiscent of the best in urban architecture of the late Victorian age. A national registry of historic sites member, its location is pivotal to a morphing downtown characterized by new restaurants, established ones enjoying increases in business, older building renovations, and new ones being proposed.

An art-infused community has impact on the livability, vitality and quality of life of a region. The Carr Center will leave an enduring imprint on the landscape of Detroit by making our city a connected, creative community, recognizing the importance of art and culture to a vibrant economy and society. It is ALM’s objective to be a definitive player in Detroit’s revitalization efforts—helping make Detroit a “Cool City” in which to live, work and play.

ARTS LEAGUE OF MICHIGAN
THE VIRGIL H. CARR CULTURAL ARTS CENTER WILL BE:

  •  A state of the art venue for the creation and presentation of the arts, dedicated to the African American experience within our multicultural community
  •  A Center for training and education in the arts
  •  A Home for artists, arts organizations, and artistic programs
  •  A Catalyst for economic and community development

THE CENTER WILL CONTAIN:

  •  37,000 sq. ft. of Flexible configuration
  •  3 multi-purpose visual arts studios
  •  1 grand exhibition space
  •  2 performing arts rehearsal studios with audio/television studio recording and broadcast capabilities
  •  Teaching/practice facilities for a community arts and education program.

THE CENTER WILL PROVIDE:

  •  Studio space in which professional artists can create, develop and showcase their craft
  •  Retail outlet
  •  Archival storage area
  •  Administrative area capable of providing business services to resident artists/arts organizations with shared business functions, including marketing, financial and educational program management and other support services

HERE’S A SAMPLING OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE CARR CENTER:

  •  Resident Artist studio time
  •  Masters and Legends Program
  •  Classes in all disciplines for all ages
  •  Artist Mentorship Program
  •  Jazz @ The Center
  •  Performances
  •  Film showings
  •  Art exhibitions
  •  Classes
  •  Lectures
  •  Workshops
  •  Conferences
  •  Receptions

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Oliver Ragsdale, Jr., President
Arts League of Michigan
Phone: (313) 965-8430 * Email: oliver@Artsleague.com