About the Complex
Visual Arts
The King Arts Complex offers a series of visual arts exhibitions each year, as well as a collection of permanent exhibits that are on display year-round and educational interactive installations located throughout the building. The permanent collection includes the work of Aminah Robinson, Bing Davis, Andrew Scott to Gilda Edwards, Roman Johnson and Smokey Brown to name just a few.
The educational installations span a King Kids floor filled with activities on African Masks and recycling; the Cradle of Jazz highlighting the history of the Near-Eastside provides an opportunity to listen to the genius of musical legends to experiencing the Door of No Return on Goree Island and a ship slave during the Middle Passage.
Dance
Each season, The King Arts Complex presents national dance companies. Ranging from a variety of dance styles such as ballet, tap, African and modern dance, performances at The Complex are sure to be dynamic! Accompanied with these performances are community outreach programs in which the dance company works with schools, educators, recreation centers, and other organizations. The Complex also hosts a variety of dance education programs as part of the evening, weekend and summer offerings for children.
Music
The King Arts Complex honors the musical heritage of the King-Lincoln district by presenting national and local jazz musicians throughout the year in a series called Jazz on the Avenue. During the summer, the Complex host the Heritage Concert Series every Thursday during the months of July and August. The Complex also features an array of diverse musical genres including gospel, Hip-Hop, R & B, and Blues. Music is a foundation for many of the programs offered during our summer programs, youth academies and special events.
Literary
Contemporary authors join The King Arts Complex for lively discussions on topics that range from, but are not limited to, civil rights, disabilities, the arts, healthcare and education. Books are available for purchase and can be autographed by the author. From spoken word to formal readings the literary arts play an important role in documenting our history and educating our minds. From a J. California Cooper, Terry McMillan to Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Lerone Bennett and Mari Evans, the Complex has hosts the greatest and best of our literary writers, playwrights spoken word artists, and poets.
Theater
In addition to our support of the local acting community, The King Arts Complex hosts national theater performances. The Complex presents productions featuring local youth, theater workshops and other educational programming. These programs can be enjoyed by everyone! Extending this artistic form to the youth in the community, schools throughout Central Ohio, the Complex offers students a matinee performance series during the school year and during our educational programs. Outstanding theatrical performances have included Nia Performing Arts, Ujima Theater and several national touring groups and artists such as Val Gray Ward.
Visual Arts
The King Arts Complex offers a series of visual arts exhibitions each year, as well as a collection of permanent exhibits that are on display year-round and educational interactive installations located throughout the building. The permanent collection includes the work of Aminah Robinson, Bing Davis, Andrew Scott to Gilda Edwards, Roman Johnson and Smokey Brown to name just a few.
The educational installations span a King Kids floor filled with activities on African Masks and recycling; the Cradle of Jazz highlighting the history of the Near-Eastside provides an opportunity to listen to the genius of musical legends to experiencing the Door of No Return on Goree Island and a ship slave during the Middle Passage.
Dance
Each season, The King Arts Complex presents national dance companies. Ranging from a variety of dance styles such as ballet, tap, African and modern dance, performances at The Complex are sure to be dynamic! Accompanied with these performances are community outreach programs in which the dance company works with schools, educators, recreation centers, and other organizations. The Complex also hosts a variety of dance education programs as part of the evening, weekend and summer offerings for children.
Music
The King Arts Complex honors the musical heritage of the King-Lincoln district by presenting national and local jazz musicians throughout the year in a series called Jazz on the Avenue. During the summer, the Complex host the Heritage Concert Series every Thursday during the months of July and August. The Complex also features an array of diverse musical genres including gospel, Hip-Hop, R & B, and Blues. Music is a foundation for many of the programs offered during our summer programs, youth academies and special events.
Literary
Contemporary authors join The King Arts Complex for lively discussions on topics that range from, but are not limited to, civil rights, disabilities, the arts, healthcare and education. Books are available for purchase and can be autographed by the author. From spoken word to formal readings the literary arts play an important role in documenting our history and educating our minds. From a J. California Cooper, Terry McMillan to Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Lerone Bennett and Mari Evans, the Complex has hosts the greatest and best of our literary writers, playwrights spoken word artists, and poets.
Theater
In addition to our support of the local acting community, The King Arts Complex hosts national theater performances. The Complex presents productions featuring local youth, theater workshops and other educational programming. These programs can be enjoyed by everyone! Extending this artistic form to the youth in the community, schools throughout Central Ohio, the Complex offers students a matinee performance series during the school year and during our educational programs. Outstanding theatrical performances have included Nia Performing Arts, Ujima Theater and several national touring groups and artists such as Val Gray Ward.