The new headquarters of LA Arts, the arts agency for Lewiston and Auburn, is now open at 168 Lisbon St. in Lewiston and a grand opening is planned from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, that will include a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. and musical entertainment.
“After months of planning, renovating and relocating, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the inauguration of LA Arts’ new headquarters, an impressive and expansive mixed-use space housing a gallery, performance area, kitchenette and office,” said Gerald Walsh, the organization’s manager.
In addition to space for galleries and performances, LA Arts can now offer new programming, such as film series, classes and workshops.
While the 2,395-square-foot leased area is comparable in square footage to the former location at 221 Lisbon St., the new site is on one floor rather than two levels.
Jim Parakilas, chair of the agency’s board of directors, previously told Mainebiz it was important for LA Arts to be on Lisbon Street as the center for arts and cultural organizations, for restaurants and for the immigrant business communities in Lewiston and Auburn.
In addition to LA Arts’ own programming, the venue will rent space for meetings, performances, lectures, classes, or community gatherings.
LA Arts began in 1973 to fill gaps in the region’s arts and cultural offerings and now works with governments, businesses, schools and local arts and cultural organizations to create opportunities to experience, learn about and participate in the arts.
In the early years, volunteers and library staff presented arts and humanities programs, including concerts, foreign films, art lectures and public policy discussions. Gradually, the organization developed programs to bring artists into schools in the two cities.
In 1988, LA Arts was designated by the two city governments as their local arts agency. As the number of arts and cultural venues has grown, LA Arts has shifted focus to supporting regional cultural partners and presenting local artists, makers and performers in the LA Arts Gallery, the Downstage and in community venues.
