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The A2AC is a two-building, three-story visual arts hub in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since 1909, the A2AC has been Ann Arbor’s downtown center for creativity, serving patrons of all ages and artistic abilities. Our mission is “to be a contemporary forum for the visual arts through education, exploration, collaboration, and exhibition, and to engage minds, expand perspectives and inspire growth in students of all ages, teachers, artists, and the community.”
We deliver on our mission through various ways, including thought-provoking and engaging exhibitions, public art initiatives, and various hands-on learning opportunities for youth, adults, and families. One of the most significant additions during our recent our renovation was the A2AC Gallery. Other spaces and initiatives include the A2AC Spotlight Gallery, the Aquarium Gallery, Art in Public Initiative, A2AC Murals, and A2AC Alleys.
The A2AC Main Gallery, located on the ground floor, focuses on dynamic work across all Arts disciplines that gives voice to the ever-changing lived experience. Through in-house and guest curation, the Main Gallery’s scope encompasses national and regional artists and collaboratives who present diverse perspectives and experimentation.
In addition to the A2AC Main Gallery, the A2AC is home to the Spotlight Gallery and Aquarium Gallery. The A2AC Spotlight Gallery is a new, flexible exhibition space dedicated to showcasing A2AC’s teachers’ and students’ artworks. While the Aquarium Gallery is an experimental micro gallery designed to showcase site-specific installations. The street-facing gallery comprises an ample window space measuring approximately 72″ x 72″ x 12″. Artists are invited to fill the gallery and create a work of art that can engage a street-level audience.
The Art in Public initiative collaborates with local organizations, businesses, and individuals to help bring high-quality creativity into public art in Ann Arbor and elevate our community as a destination for creatives and art lovers. A2AC Murals and A2AC Alleys are part of this initiative.
A2AC Murals is the culmination of pairing downtown buildings and business owners with local, regional, and national artists who transformed the building walls into spectacular murals. It allows the community and visitors to experience and enjoy these significant, vibrant public artworks in Ann Arbor and the SE Michigan area.
A2AC Alleys re-imagine Ann Arbor’s alleyways by breathing life into these auxiliary spaces. Its purpose is to create a destination by demonstrating the importance and potential of these spaces and their significance to our built urban fabric.
Community engagement is at the heart of our art presentation and education program: free family drop-in events, monthly guest artist workshops, curator/artist talks, and other innovative programs encourage unique interactions with contemporary art and the urgent issues of our time. We believe the experience of art should be accessible and equitable to everyone.
A2AC is open Monday to Friday: 10 am – 7 pm, and Saturday to Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Visit annarborartcenter.org to learn more and connect on Instagram at @a2artcenter
Celebrating 10 Years (2013- 2023) 