Mission

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The Grace Arts Center (GAC) mission is to network and connect three distinct areas of general programming resulting in more extensive cultural collaborations and revitalization of South Florida communities through the arts and humanities. Projects feature  exhibits, performances and urban design engagements by leading Innovators of multiple disciplines to entertain, educate and extend services annually to communities with less access to cultural experiences and the liberal arts.

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The three (3) program area title projects are: A) Outsider Art Biannual Installations and the Street Art Regatta (cultural exhibits featuring Florida's extensive Folk, self-taught and vernacular artists); B) Shakespeare's La Florida and Festival of Classics performance series (Shakespeare and other classical theater infused with Florida history) and C) COAT, Urban Shade, and Mobile Art Pavilion (urban and public art design installations and workshops exploring innovations in public space activation, resiliency and conservation).  Master Classes and teaching opportunities are planned each year by project participants. 

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History

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The approval of 501.C3 public charity status in 2011 allowed Grace Arts Center  (GAC) to formalize and expand programs '... taking art beyond gallery walls.'  GAC has leveraged resources, grants and in-kind professional talent to produce and present programs that identify emerging artists, embrace tradition, maintain excellence and create opportunities for innovation in arts and related fields of sciences and humanities. 

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Programming evolved from years of arts and cultural community outreach of Grace Cafe and Galleries, a retail art gallery, studio, coffee bar & pop-up cafe owned by GAC's Founder and Creative Director. For over a decade the gallery sponsored outdoor festivals, after school arts programs, scholarships, downtown vibrancy initiatives to restore historical areas, international design competitions and public art projects. Tango, ballet, folk, hip hop dancers, filmmakers, musical bands, singer/songwriters, theater groups and visual artists created lasting collaborations and the foundation for successful non-profit projects.

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Art Miami 2007 'Director's Choice Artist' exhibition for the late self-taught Painter, Purvis Young, was a pivotal moment for the Gallery and the beginning of relationships with other artists who joined Young in the studio and cafe creating a niche for Florida's distinctive 'Outsider' Art community (such as Florida's Highwaymen landscape painters) and partnerships with institutionally trained fine art professionals. The separate gallery business still engages artists providing opportunities to invest time, talent and resources in platforms that inspire excellence and innovation benefiting people living or visiting South Florida.

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Ask about participating in programs and projects, suggest ideas or consider volunteering or donating to Grace Arts Center, a registered, licensed public 501 (c) 3 Florida charity. 

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Contact us if you are considering the arts as a means to raise funds for your organization. 

Original Second Floor Gallery and Studio 05-14

Big Band Jazz Nights with Mike Norris Band 2012