A hip new art venue opening this weekend will provide Arlington residents with an outlet for traditional and modern artistry.
The 62,000-square-foot Artisphere features three theaters, three art galleries, a 4,000-square-foot ballroom, outdoor terrace, cafe, and 220-seat dome for films and productions. The $6.7 million renovation on the previous Newseum space began in February and will allow visitors to “flow from one space to the next.”
Chris Williams, programming director for Arlington Cultural Affairs, said the design of the building encourages a “different kind of programming” where artists and guests can “inhabit the space as part of their everyday existence.”
Artisphere will be an “informal, fluid space,” combining traditional art venues like theater and music productions by resident companies Washington Shakespeare Company and National Chamber Ensemble, but will also feature multimedia exhibitions. Workshops will be offered on a variety of topics to “connect a population” of younger visitors who prefer a hands-on art experience.
“A lot of younger people aren’t necessarily accessing arts and culture the way their parents did, and part of that is because they see themselves as part of the creative process or as creative beings, not just as a passive audience,” said Norma Kaplan, division chief for Arlington Cultural Affairs.
Kaplan said the design “lends itself to some spontaneity,” making Artisphere “the kind of space where you can sit there and text your friends and have them join you,” adding that visitors are encouraged to visit many featured exhibits and venues during one visit.
“The concept of this center is to really open up the doors and sort of repackage arts and cultural activities in a way that’s going to be attractive to a younger demographic,” Kaplan said.
Artisphere opens officially on Sunday, with a free two-day open house following two public preview events to showcase the center’s features. A Friday fundraising gala benefiting the center will feature several artists and exhibits and a Saturday evening Burst event hopes to attract a younger audience with DJs and exhibits open until 2 a.m.
Kaplan said many exhibits are free daily, while most theater and nightly musical performances are ticketed or pay what you can. Prices for ticketed events and workshops range from $5 to $50, with a possible option for memberships in the future.
