Fine Arts Fund and ArtWorks set up shop in OTR

The Fine Arts Fund (FAF) and Artworks have settled in to one of the last remaining commercial hot spots along Central Parkway - both moving to the historic Hale Justis Building.  Leaders from the two prominent arts organizations welcomed the move to Over-the-Rhine's dynamic and growing arts district which already includes the Know and Ensemble Theatres, Music Hall, Memorial Hall, and the Art Academy.

The Fine Arts Fund is moving their 28 employees to the 10,000 square-foot second-floor space in Over-the-Rhine from their previous Hyde Park office where they had been for 35 years. 

"The world has changed around us, and it has become evident to pretty much everyone that a move to the downtown area in this emerging arts district made a lot of sense," said Margy Waller, Vice President of the FAF's Arts & Culture Partnership who also stated that the central location made it quite desirable.

Artworks will also be moving eight full-time employees into their 8,000 square-foot first-floor space in the building.  One of the big differences, though, for both the FAF and Artworks, is the contiguous and flexible space the Hale Justis Building provides.

"We're now all on one floor and have separate project space for individual and group artist projects," said Artworks Director Tamara Harkavy.  "The new space creates a much more dynamic and engaging process."

"It's more necessary than ever to have this cross-functional activity taking place due to our expanding role in the community," said Waller, who touted the new "huddle spaces" and "doodle room" complete with white wall for drawing and writing out ideas.

The move also meant the elimination of a lot of office materials and furniture that the FAF no longer needs with the new flexible space.  As a result the FAF has donated the unneeded office materials and furniture to roughly 13 different local non-profit groups.

"It feels like we've completed the area there along Central Parkway with all the arts organizations and businesses," Waller said.  "A lot of people have already told us they're very happy that we filled this space."

Artwork's Harkavy concurs, "In the end, the sum total of both of our organizations moving here represents a huge investment to Over-the-Rhine and the urban core."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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