Hollywood Art and Culture Center — Attraction in Hollywood

I was so giddy to write this post, I had to open my laptop in order to have full keyboard range.

I want to start with the physical location. I adore the building structure; it's intimate and charming. I feel art often gets misinterpreted as a pretentious, austere or superficial which is a far cry from it's actual purpose: which is to connect the masses (or at the very least, get the masses thinking) especially in regards to current events and politics. Take the Dada movement for instance, it began in 1916 in a nightclub; not some tall, formal building. My previous reference isn't to take away from the efforts of other museums, but Hollywood's Art and Culture Center is very reminiscent of the origins of art. Added bonus, if you're a fan of areas like Savannah, Ga, it has a cool Eckburg hall vibe to it. A true gem that deserves more recognition.

Onto the other amazing part of my visit, the team. The team that has curated this space (and I'm not just referring to the art, I'm referring to the hospitality, the personable interactions and the overall knowledgeable yet kind approach). To say I'm pleased is an understatement. I had the pleasure of watching two short open dialogue docuseries (one focused on Black American experience in America, the other on LGBTQ). The dialogues were so refreshingly vulnerable and honest; sincere without added jarring shockjock value. I had the honor of speaking with Jeff Rusnack, one of the directors behind the films, and he is such an insightful, passionate and enthusiastic leader.

I look forward to returning time and time again. If you need a reason to get out of the house, go immediately. If you're visiting from out of town, do NOT neglect this opportunity. If you're a growing artist, and the commercial mainstream parts of Miami don't quite speak to you, I guarantee you will find your footing here. Come be inspired, come get to know art for what art truly is: a conversation to connect and relate. All in the most darling location. I look forward to...

In all my time living in South Florida and my interest in Art and Culture, and the many art shows, galleries, and museums I've been to, I've never been to the Arts and Culture Center of Hollywood... Until now. Located in a preserved, historic building which was built in the 1920s, you might miss it if you weren't looking for it. It's on the edge of a residential area, and just east of Young Circle, so it gets a little lost in it's surroundings, but it's definitely worth exploring. The parking lot is free, and there's also street parking available. Entrance is $10 for adults, discounted for kids and seniors, and free with membership. The Center holds three exhibition spaces downstairs and one upstairs. The main exhibit space is rather large, which you can tell by looking at the current exhibition (ANIMALS), which showcased various media depictions and representations of animals. Behind the main space, there are also desks and drawings from patrons or the students at the school. There is also an artistic garden which may be a lot more enjoyable when the temperatures cool down. I met Joanna who did an amazing job of providing me with updates about events, history, and meet the artist days, which I believe are also free. I will definitely be back to check out other exhibitions and hopefully be able to attend an exhibition opening or two in the near future. If you're looking to improve your cultural aspirations for you and your family, come check out the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. You can tell Joanna...

We literally just landed in Fort Lauderdale (a little bit of a ways away from Hollywood) just today, and this was the very first attraction that we visited. Needless to say, this was a FANTASTIC experience, and by far one of my favorite experiences in any museum/exhibit ever! Not only were a wide range of multimedia artists and creators represented in a variety of different ways, but ALSO the director of development (Jeff Rusnak) engaged us and other guests in a very engaging, eye-opening discussion about a variety of humanistic, social dilemmas that we currently face in the states, especially following the screening of “Open Dialogues: Queer Allies”! It was all super inspiring, and I owe so much to Jeff for engaging us in this important conversation, especially considering the current social and political climate we’re in right now. Excellent exhibit AND excellent films and engagement; will come again whenever I come back to...