Arlington Arts Center

The Arlington Arts Center (AAC), established in 1974, is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to promoting contemporary visual arts in Arlington, Virginia. Initially founded by a group of contemporary artists, the center has evolved significantly over the years and serves as a vital hub for artists and art enthusiasts in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Arlington Arts Center is to enrich community life by connecting the public with contemporary art and artists through exhibitions, educational programs, and artist residencies. The organization aspires to be a leading center for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic region and advocates for the transformative power of art in public life.

History

The AAC was founded during a flourishing period for the arts in Arlington, reflecting the growing cultural landscape of the area. It first operated under the name Arlington Arts Center and has undergone several transformations to better serve the community. In 2022, the center was rebranded as the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MoCA Arlington) to better align its identity with its mission of showcasing contemporary art and supporting artists. This change aimed to increase visibility and communicate the center's objectives more effectively to the public.

Facilities

Located in a historic building that was previously a school, the Arlington Arts Center features nine exhibition galleries, artist studios, and classrooms. The facility has been carefully renovated to enhance its functionality while preserving its historical significance, making it one of the largest non-federal venues for contemporary art in the region.

Programs and Exhibitions

The AAC offers a range of programs designed to engage the community with contemporary art. These include:

• Exhibitions: Regularly scheduled exhibitions featuring local, national, and international artists ensure a dynamic presentation of contemporary art trends.

• Educational Programs: The center provides educational workshops and events aimed at fostering an appreciation of the arts among all age groups.

• Artist Residencies: AAC supports emerging and mid-career artists through residency programs that encourage artistic development and community engagement.

Community Impact

The Arlington Arts Center plays a crucial role in the local art scene, fulfilling a need for accessible contemporary art experiences in Arlington. Through its programs, the AAC not only showcases artwork but also promotes a culture of creativity and artistic expression within the community. Its commitment to artists and the public enhances the cultural vibrancy of Arlington, making it a significant player in the regional arts landscape.

Overall, the Arlington Arts Center stands as a testament to the enduring importance of the arts in community life, an organization dedicated to fostering creativity and connection through contemporary art.

[1] https://arlingtonmuseum.org/our-story [2] https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/09/26/museum-contemporary-art-arlington-virginia-washington-dc [3] https://artsarlington.org/about-us/ [4] https://www.arlnow.com/2022/09/26/arlington-arts-center-rebrands-as-museum-of-contemporary-art-arlington-debuts-new-exhibits/ [5] https://mocaarlington.org/about/