2a. Mission Statement:
To entertain and explore YOUR five senses by showcasing Central Ohio artists with regional/international artists. Acme Art Company is dedicated to making ideas become reality by being an approachable community space for all ages and disciplines.
2b. Organization History / Organizational Overview. Index of important events in organization's history.:
Acme Art Company was founded in 1984 by Geoffrey Taber and was originally called the Geoffrey Taber Gallery. Mr. Taber’s mission was to give more opportunities for Central Ohio artists to exhibit their talent. In the 80’s, the few Central Ohio galleries that were in business did not focus on Central Ohio artists. Mr. Taber saw this need and acted upon it. He opened a space near downtown Columbus and helped to build an art scene. This once abandoned, yet historical part of Columbus is now renovated and thriving with many galleries and non-profit spaces. It is now known as the Short North Arts District.
Mr. Taber left the gallery in 1987 to pursue other interests. In order for the gallery to become a nonprofit and be eligible for grants, the name needed to be changed from a personal one to a company one. Mr. Taber came up with Acme Art Company. Acme, which means ‘pinnacle’ was the first in Central Ohio to exhibit avant-garde, cutting edge artwork/installation. The purpose was not to necessarily make money from art, but present it. For many years grants were able to sustain this business plan, but focus shifted in the year 2000 as granting monies have diminished.
In 2000, the business plan shifted to celebrate the five senses. Programming consists of live music, art exhibitions, ethnic food/drink, film projections, poetry readings and workshops, to name a few. Acme Art Company (Acme Art) inspires and nurtures artists of all disciplines by bringing art to a culturally supportive space that also enriches the spirit of the Central Ohio community. The encompassing, modern, facility provides resources for the professional artist to work, grow, and share their views by exhibiting or performing. Acme Art sustains ‘art as a way of life’.
Acme Art seeks and attracts culturally diverse artists. Global ideologies and conceptual trends are programmed to inspire the Central Ohio community. The diverse programming and artistic expressions of all media create a highly sensory, entertaining environment.
Acme Art is a nonprofit arts organization. Since 1987, Acme Art continues to provide a forum for professional artists to exhibit and successfully market to the general public. Acme Art is a registered 501 (c) 3 organization currently administered by volunteers and funded by the community through membership fees, art sales and event admissions. The core team consists of a Board of Trustees and a Board of Advisors; experienced professionals with a wide range of skill sets including event production, small business administration and fundraising.
Acme Art’s current hurdle is moving over five times in the past six years which is hard on any business. So many moves are mainly because of building problems or the lack of support from landlords. A cycle of repairing/renovating buildings and then getting kicked out of them has followed Acme Art. At this time, Acme Art resides at its new space which is located in Columbus, Ohio and is a part of a unique complex called the Milo Arts District. Behind Acme Art Company’s building is an old elementary school that was built in 1910 called Milo. Milo has 60 resident artists living and working in it. Because of Acme Art’s location in Columbus, it serves a diverse population. All ages and cultures are welcome to share their stories, ideas and creativity. The interaction between people is what best describes the vibration at Acme Art Company - Inspirational
2c. Exhibition / Programming / Publishing History.:
Acme Art is dedicated to bringing multicultural, thought provoking programming to the Central Ohio public. Programming includes art exhibitions, performances and live music.
Some art exhibitions are based on a theme; for example, ‘In Celebration of Africa,’ ‘In Celebration of Asia,’ and ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Supper?’ (Interpretations of Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’).
Other exhibits include: annual auction, solo exhibitions, group/member exhibitions, exhibitions that concentrate on a specific media (for example; graffiti, photography), and indoor/outdoor installation.
Performances: burlesque, ethnic dance, contemporary dance, poetry readings and independent filmmaker screenings.
Live music: Metal, Punk, Rock, Jazz, Improv, Alternative, Indie, HipHop, Rap, Folk, Reggae, Ragga and Drum and Bass.
Acme Art also books fundraisers for sister nonprofits. Use of the space is free in exchange for co-promotion of the event.
All ages and disciplines are encouraged to approach Acme Art. The primary purpose is to make ideas into reality.
Since 1987, every event at Acme Art Company has been archived and it would be impossible to write all of what has been exhibited and taken place in the space provided here.