Support A New Cultural Arts Hub
We invite you to join us in creating a cultural hub that will inspire and unite our community. Donate now to help realize our vision of an inclusive, accessible arts hub in Columbus.
Your support today will turn this historic landmark into a community arts venue for generations to come. By donating, you’ll help create a place where unforgettable arts experiences are accessible to all.
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Help us ring in a new era for the performing arts in Columbus!
Join CAPA to create a cultural hub that will inspire and unite our community. Together, we can create a space where art, community, and history come together in perfect harmony.
CAPA is undertaking an exciting project to transform the former Central Presbyterian Church at 132 South Third Street – the fourth-oldest building in downtown Columbus – into a state-of-the-art community arts space. Our plans will preserve a beautiful piece of Columbus’ history, reimagining and re-purposing it as a cultural jewel for the city, ensuring the structural integrity and preservation of a historic building while making it useful to Columbus’ growing population. The renovated building will be an ideal venue for arts and cultural events, education and community engagement programs, and event rentals and gatherings, such as weddings, proms, bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate events, and more.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Columbus, the former Central Presbyterian Church, built in 1859, stands as a testament to our city’s rich history. After its closure in 2011, CAPA purchased the building in 2013, with a vision to preserve its legacy and transform it into a vibrant new performance and event space.
A slightly smaller venue with a capacity of approximately 300-650, superb acoustics, and flexible seating is a welcome addition to CAPA’s portfolio of downtown theatres as we strive to diversify programming and engage new audiences. This will not take anything away from our existing theatres; on the contrary, demand for mid- and smaller-sized venues grows every year, and both the Lincoln and Southern Theatres have been operating at capacity for years and frequently have to turn away business due to lack of availability. The new space will create more opportunities for local arts organizations to offer programming to Columbus audiences, at both the church venue and in CAPA’s historic theatres.
CAPA’s current historic venues foster the lives of over 900,000 people each year. With growing demand for mid-sized venues, we are excited to create a space that will meet this need, opening up new opportunities for artists and local organizations in Columbus and central Ohio.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
• Elevating Columbus’ Arts Scene: Our new venue will enrich the city’s cultural landscape, drawing more audiences Downtown and deepening appreciation for the arts.
• Ideal for a Wide Range of Artists: Our venue is perfect for artists, organizations, and performances that thrive in a more intimate setting.
• Immersive Experiences: The venue’s open, flexible space is ideal for immersive and interactive arts performances and experiences.
• Supporting Local Businesses: By attracting visitors, we will also invigorate the local business community, supporting and connecting new and upcoming downtown development.
BUILDING TOGETHER
• Community Engagement Partnerships: We’ll collaborate with local schools and universities, as well as other arts groups, to present creative and inspiring performances and programs.
• Arts for All: CAPA initiatives will include apprenticeships, affordable performance opportunities, Broadway in the Classroom workshops, ARISE, and more.
BUILDING TOGETHER
• Community Engagement Partnerships: We’ll collaborate with local schools and universities, as well as other arts groups, to present creative and inspiring performances and programs.
• Arts for All: CAPA initiatives will include apprenticeships, affordable performance opportunities, Broadway in the Classroom workshops, ARISE, and more.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
• Flexible Space: Historic sanctuary hosting 300-650 guests for diverse events.
• Accessible: ADA entries, new elevator, accessible balcony, and enhanced safety.
• Amenities: Atrium, concessions, ample restrooms, concierge areas, rooftop bar.
•Artist Support: Dressing rooms, storage space, and acoustic upgrades.
•Restoration: Replastered, repainted, and repaired to preserve historic beauty.
Join CAPA’s campaign to transform this space into a vibrant home for live performing arts.
If you have any questions about giving to CAPA, please contact Barbara Markus at 614-719-6702 or bmarkus@capa.com.
