The Durango Arts Center (DAC) is a multi-faceted hub for community arts that hosts and promotes contemporary visual and performing arts, arts education, dynamics exhibits, an active Docent program and the annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival. Over the years, DAC has built its reputation as a local arts industry leader and has been working diligently to ensure that the arts continue to thrive in the Four Corners region and beyond.
DAC's mission is to provide Durango and surrounding communities opportunities to create, to promote, and to participate in diverse arts experiences. The DAC brings people together to explore and engage in arts and culture by fostering creative expression through in-house exhibitions, performances, and educational programs for all ages and abilities.
Arts Education
DAC offers year-round education programs in the visual and performing arts, featuring classes, family art camps, Saturday workshops and open studios for teens, adults and children as young as four years of age. Whether engaging with professional artists in the DAC Education Studio or reaching out to local schools to strengthen arts in the classroom, DAC aspires to cultivate creativity in learners of all ages and abilities. Family Gallery Activity Guide: learn about art and experience DAC exhibits. Art Parties for Kids & Adults: Whatever your interest – painting, ceramics, printmaking or sculpture, we have an art party for you! DAC Docent Program: an all volunteer group that offers tours of gallery exhibits for adults and children and the Art in the School Program for elementary school children and other groups in the community. DAC also offers docent-led gallery tours and docent-led hands-on art activities for school groups.
Performing Arts & Theatre
DAC Theater strives to offer entertaining, professional and quality theater to Durango and surrounding communities. We aim to excite our audiences with old favorites and challenge them with new and non-traditional works. DAC Theatre is committed to fostering a collaborative spirit by inviting local theater artists and other companies to join our artistic community through auditions, theater rentals, guest artist opportunities, production assistance and many other ways. DAC strives to join the forces of creativity, collaboration and community. This outlet for self-expression fosters a community with more vibrant, healthy and active citizens.
Exhibits
DAC provides progressive year-round exhibits in the Barbara Conrad Gallery featuring local, national and internationally recognized artists. Supporting a practice of diversifying the visitor’s experience, each DAC exhibit includes special events such as lectures, artist demonstrations and film screenings. Upstairs you will find the Art Library, sponsored by Friends of the Art Library (FOAL), that hosts six exhibits each year featuring local and national artists of diverse mediums. DAC offers an online members Artists’ Directory and On-line Exhibits featuring local and national artists. Artists can become DAC members from anywhere in the world and reap the benefits.
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm *
* Special events including Gallery Opening & Receptions, Theatre Performances, and other opportunities may fall outside of these times. Stay up-to-date with our events and programing on the DAC web event calendar.
Follow DAC online at DurangoArts.org and on social media : Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.