At a time when all of us face unprecedented challenges, we are beyond thrilled to share some incredibly exciting news – in fact, it’s the most exciting news since our opening in 2008, the announcement of our new forever home!

Since the spring of 2018, with the assistance of our 18-member Task Force, Board and Site Selection Committee, we’ve been hard at work in our search for an ideal location for a permanent new home. And now, after 24 months of outreach, planning, studies, evaluation and estimates – all under the auspices of our Guiding Principles – we have found the ideal location!

How will this project be paid for?

This is currently estimated as an $8.5 million project, with 25% of funds already secured. CCAC has a proven track record of strong fundraising capability. The project fundraising efforts will be spearheaded by a well-respected volunteer cabinet, co-chaired by Otto M. Budig Jr., Mu Sinclaire, and Abby Zell Moran. CCAC has retained Ignite Philanthropy for strategic fundraising counsel and anticipates dedicating and opening its new home in spring 2022.

How can I help?

We’re interested in your ideas. Please continue to tell us what you would like to see at CCAC’s new location by emailing us: info@cliftonculturalarts.org. In addition, your donations will help assure our ongoing programs, classes and events – as well as our transition to a new, permanent space – make Clifton and our surrounding neighborhoods a more vibrant place to live and learn. Please donate online to support CCAC’s mission and transition. Lastly, spread the word! Please tell others about CCAC programs and events you enjoy and invite them to participate.

Where will CCAC’s new home be located?

After several months of discovery and negotiations, CCAC has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Dewey’s Pizza for the lot located at 3412 Clifton Avenue, one block north of the iconic intersection of Ludlow and Clifton Avenues. CCAC is excited to partner with Dewey’s Pizza to utilize this ideal dormant location. Beginning our second decade by creating a permanent home in the core of Clifton is a remarkable opportunity to contribute even greater positive impact and better serve the community, our schools, and our neighbors for years to come.

Why is this the ideal location for CCAC?

CCAC was first founded in 2008 to provide transformative, award-winning programming for children and adults in our neighborhood and surrounding communities. A new, permanent home in the heart of Clifton will ensure that CCAC will be able to continue our original mission in an even more central, more integral neighborhood location for decades to come. In addition, this is an exciting opportunity for the Clifton community as well – to put to use a currently vacant lot with a proven, successful organization that will instantly inject additional activity to our unique, eclectic business district. CCAC is not just a community arts center, but a community-created arts center. Having our new home become an integral part of the neighborhood is a dream come true.

How was the site selected?

Our 18-member, volunteer Task Force – a diverse group of arts, philanthropic, business and community leaders – shepherded CCAC through the process of exploring nearly 30 prospective sites in and near Clifton. To evaluate the sites, the Task Force established priorities (Guiding Principles) and developed site feasibility studies, cost estimates and ownership structures for various locations. In addition, CCAC conducted several surveys and hosted dozens of community feedback sessions with hundreds of community members.

What will this building include?

The building is estimated as an 18,000 square foot, multi-use community arts center to include multidisciplinary educational rooms, two art galleries, a creative maker studio, performance and rehearsal spaces, and administrative offices. This new permanent home will accommodate all our current programming while allowing CCAC to broaden its service to more than 40,000 individuals annually through free or low-cost programs, classes, exhibitions, events and performances.

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