Collingwood Arts Center

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The Collingwood Arts Center (CAC) is a unique cultural resource and Toledo, Ohio's only residential artist community. It consits of two organizations and over 65 individual writers, musicians, actors, and performing and visual artists who live and/or work at the Center.

An architectural treasure and work of art, the building was designed by noted architect, E.O. Fallis in 1905.

In 1985, a group of citizens acquired the property with the vision of creating a center for the arts. The CAC is unique in that it provides long-term residence to artists. It is also one of only a handful of artist residential communities that has a theatre.

From the time of its acquisition in 1986, the CAC has been in need of constant repair. The upkeep of the 118,000 square foot Center has been hampered in the past by limited funds, lack of professional staff, and an absence of community involvement. The CAC board has addressed these impediments and the Center is now undergoing restoration and renewal. An Executive Director oversees the daily administration of the CAC; improvements to the heating, plumbing, mechanical infrastructure, and parking lot are complete. The 600-seat theatre has seen extensive restoration to improve the quality of the theatre experience. These improvements have happened largely through in-kind donations and thousands of hours of volunteer labor.

Due to the improved facility, programming has also significantly increased. Events include concerts in jazz, blues, and classical genres, as well as plays ranging from local children theatre to national touring companies.

The installation of a Link-Bennett 6-rank theatre organ offers audiences a unique experience for viewing silent movies and concerts. The Lyric Photoplay Society audiences have experienced the best in vintage films; the weekly open mic for poets assembles 20-50 poets each week to share new and original works. Each month there are art exhibitions in one or more of the eight galleries.

Outreach activities include providing 10% of theatre seats free to those who are members of special constituents, economically disadvantaged, or underserved populations. Collaborations have included ACGT, Chance for Change Foundation, University of Toledo, Ohio Theater, and Cymbal and Children's Theatre Workshop.