richmondartcenter

Richmond Art Center is in a time of dynamic change and renewal. Why? How? A donor asked us recently, how is the Richmond Art Center different this year from the last several years? Why should we continue with our support? We have so much exciting information and news to share. So here goes...

We weathered financial difficulties…
Two years ago the RAC faced a serious financial deficit. Many long-time members responded to the request for help, many financially and many by volunteering their expertise and time. RAC students offered their time and talents. With this overwhelming response and many dedicated volunteers, we ended our 70th year with a very successful anniversary auction and Holiday Arts Festival. All of us continue to work together to make the RAC stronger and better—the place to come for art.

A big change - The Richmond Art Center is under renovation...
Those of you who are local have seen that the entire Civic Center is undergoing a major Redevelopment renovation; the RAC remains open for the community in the midst of the construction. The renovation has challenged us with reduced class revenue and diverted staff time. But it has also brought us welcome changes. The long-talked-of door to our courtyard from the Ceramics Studio will happen! The renovation process has also strengthened our partnership with the City and Redevelopment Agency.

We brought new staff on board…
We have new and energetic staff. Jasmine Brown, our Executive Director, fortunately thrives on daily challenges, and accepted our offer of a permanent position this spring. She works with seven hardworking staff. Please come by and say hello!

We expanded our community outreach programs…
Our Artists in Schools Program, with support from the East Bay Community Foundation, serves three schools this fall and will expand next semester.

We have launched our second year of the Neighborhood Public Art Project, a collaboration with the City of Richmond and the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission. In the first year the project partnered artists with five Neighborhood Councils struggling with violence. Our second year of the project is expanding to invite community nonprofit participation.

We are broadening our community support…
The funding community tells us they have been pleased to note increased support from the City of Richmond. This tells them that our city is responsive and supportive of our contributions to community life and therefore an investment that they (and we hope you) can consider joining. The City has included us in their budget for a second year, and the Redevelopment Agency is working with us to mitigate the renovation impact. We are grateful for this City support and are exploring pilot programs that expand our classes into the community.

We are continuing impactful exhibitions and terrific classes and workshops…
The funding community tells us they have been pleased to note increased support from the City of Richmond. This tells them that our city is responsive and supportive of our contributions to community life and therefore an investment that they (and we hope you) can consider joining. The City has included us in their budget for a second year, and the Redevelopment Agency is working with us to mitigate the renovation impact. We are grateful for this City support and are exploring pilot programs that expand our classes into the community.

We are improving our communications…
We have updated our database and server, installed new computers and are working on a revised website. Our monthly e-newsletter sends out news on a regular basis to keep all of you updated about our events and happenings.