KENT, Ohio – What was once just a dream for nonprofit organization Standing Rock Cultural Arts is one step closer to fruition: the creation of a full-service cultural arts center in downtown Kent. Standing Rock has been a cornerstone of the North Water Street Art District for more than three decades, providing arts and entertainment programming as well as exhibition space for artists. At just under 1,000 square feet, Standing Rock’s space has been limiting, particularly during colder months when holding events outdoors isn’t feasible, according to Executive Director Jeff Ingram.
Recently, the space next to Standing Rock became available for lease. That 1,600 square-foot space previously housed apartments, but Standing Rock received permission to renovate the space to expand its arts, educational and community programming, according to Ingram. Standing Rock signed a five-year lease for the space, which includes original wood floors and 14-foot ceilings.
The space also has a functional kitchen, refrigerator and hot water, according to Ingram. “This additional space means that we can have a full-fledged cultural arts center,” Ingram said. “It means we can do a lot more art and activities, such as workshops and have more possibilities for musical performances.
” Standing Rock Cultural Arts is working to renovate an adjacent space that it will use to fulfill its longtime dream of creating a full-service cultural arts center in downtown Kent. Courtesy of Cameron Mack R.