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 Renovations planned for the next month include: Refinish the original wood floors (carpeting has already been removed) Add drywall to create more exhibition space Paint the entire space Add track lighting for art exhibits Electrical and plumbing work Add a door/entrance in the north wall of the existing gallery to join the two spaces Standing Rock is holding a fundraiser to help pay for the renovations. So far, the organization is about halfway to its goal of raising $5,000, Ingram said.
“Having a cultural arts center is a great opportunity to have more artists get their work in front of the public and add to the cultural atmosphere in downtown Kent,” he said. Standing Rock is planning to complete the work by mid-August and hold an open house on Aug. 17.
The event is open to community members and will feature the Kenyan group Kenge Kenge Orutu System. The group will perform traditional Luo music, which features harmonies and a lot of percussion instruments, according to Ingram. The event will also feature belly dancing and henna (temporary tattoos made from the dye of the henna plant).
“We really want to emphasize the beauty of other cultures,” Ingram said of the event. Those interested in attending should check the Standing Rock website in the coming weeks for performance times and additional event details. Community members can make a donation to help pay for the renovations on the Standing Rock website , via GoFundMe or by sending a check payable to Standing Rock Cultural Arts, 300 N.
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