History: Three Decades on Linn Street
The 1970’s
In 1970, the City of Cincinnati joined the nation in seeking solutions to the problems that plagued America’s inner cities. Upon invitation from local officials representing the federal “Model Cities” program, citizens from the communities in Over-The-Rhine, West End, and Mount Auburn formed the Resident Neighborhood Community Association (RNCA) to address specific community needs. The Cultural Recreation subcommittee proposed the creation of the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati to provide opportunities for cultural development within the community, youth and local artists.
In 1972 the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati began operating from four community sites under the direction of Douglas Theile. In 1973, the Kroger Company donated its vacated building at 1515 Linn Street to the Arts Consortium and provided a three-year rent subsidy. In 1974, renovation on the building was completed, the board was expanded to 21 members, and Ron Porter became the new executive director. In 1975 the Arts Consortium gained recognition for its out standing programs and community impact by receiving the honorable “Corbett Award.”
The arrival of Fred Bond, curator and painter, as executive director in 1977, heralded a new era for the development of the Arts Consortium. Following the success of the first Annual Fine Arts Competitive in 1976, where visual artists participated in record numbers, the Cincinnati Black History Project was established, resulting in the “Bein’Round Nati Town” exhibit and archival materials collection. Gilbert and Joyce Young painted the landmark “Metro-Murals” on the exterior walls in 1979.
The 1980’s
The start of the new decade marked the beginning of several popular programs instituted by Arts Consortium. In 1980, the ACC launched Project SAY, (Summer Arts for Youth) an arts oriented day camp for children. In 1981, Luther Goins was hired as the first full-time theater director. In the following year the Arts Consortium was proud to present its first self-produced “Community Theater Series.”
In the mid-1980’s the Arts Consortium fell victim to reduced funding which impacted arts and social service organizations throughout the country. This led to dramatic staff reductions, programming cuts, and leadership changes. In spite of these challenges, the organization launched several new initiatives. In 1985, the board of directors established the Arts Consortium’s annual fundraising gala, “Cotton Club Revisited.” In 1986, the Arts Consortium sponsored the city’s first “Juneteenth Festival.” In 1987, actress Ruby Dee was featured guest at its Black Theater Symposia. In 1989, the ACC hosted auditions for the film “Rage in Harlem” which starred Gregory Hines.
The 1990’s
The 90’s marked a period of stabilization and revitalization for the Arts Consortium. In 1990, business manager Ernest Britton was named executive director with a mandate to strengthen the organization’s fiscal management. Although there was a brief moratorium on programming, it was a period of significant growth. In 1991, the Union Terminal satellite facility was established as the Arts Consortium African-American Museum. In the same year, the first Mayor’s Breakfast in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was sponsored by the Arts Consortium. In 1992, an unprecedented gift of stock contributed by Time Warner Cable, established an endowment of $350,000 for the Arts Consortium. As a result of the grants, after 20 year of operation, the 1515 Linn Street Facility underwent major renovations.
In 1994, Dhana Bradley Morton, an art administrator and theater professional, became the executive director of the Arts Consortium. She expanded programming including: a theater and jazz performing series, regular visual arts exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, and presentations by national artists. New community outreach initiatives included the adoption of three local schools and an increased after-school program. Upgrades of the Linn Street facility continued through the 90’s with he Fred Bond Gallery and the fully equipped Paul Robeson Theater, as well as a new dance studio and community room.