ART Connects US

In November of 2024, the Bryan Area Foundation Trustees approved the establishment of a new project fund to support the fundraising efforts of a new collaborative community undertaking to benefit the performing arts in Bryan, Ohio. Established by Bryan City Schools with a $100,000 donation pledged by community members Dr. George and Julie Brown, the ART Connects Us Project Fund will be used to revitalize the historic Arts and Education Center building at 325 W. High Street. This property was the original site of Bryan High School, which opened in 1903. In 1917, the auditorium and gymnasium were added.

Since then, the building has undergone multiple transitions and served many purposes. Since 2020, a sizable portion of the building has remained unused. Escalating maintenance issues, the ability to utilize a Brownfield Remediation Grant, and interest by community groups, the City, and Bryan City Schools to invest in the arts led to the fund opening. Bryan City Schools Superintendent Mark Rairigh notes that capital improvements to the Arts and Education Center building align with the district’s commitment to “best in class” facilities supporting the arts, education, and athletics. With the recent capital improvements to the athletics complex nearing completion and the STEM innovation center supporting academic needs nearing groundbreaking, the Arts and Education Center building renovation is very timely.

The ART Connects Us Project will address the removal and remediation of the former classrooms and gymnasium, will add a much-needed fellowship space, accessible restroom facilities, and will bring the performing arts technology up to the twenty-first century. Bryan native, community member, and arts advocate Russ Davies leads the ART Connects Us capital campaign and notes that the value of the arts in our community goes well beyond self-expression and enjoyment. A strong arts culture, especially the facilities to support it, creates shared experiences and has a social and generational impact. As the current President of Bryan Development, Russ also notes the project’s role in the continued momentum and revitalization in downtown Bryan.

George and Julie Brown also noted the location and history of the Arts and Education Center building as primary reasons for their interest in supporting the cause. Having previously been a part of prior renovations of the Arts and Education Center building and having participated in supporting the recent Bryan City Schools athletics project, they were excited to be a part of establishing a fund to support the arts in Bryan. As George and Julie often say, quoting anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” If you’d like to contribute to the ART Connects Us Project Fund at the Bryan Area Foundation, click here.