Since 1996, Bare Hands has helped build and enrich community by connecting people through personal stories and the arts. From rented and borrowed galleries, warehouses, rooms, parking lots and landmarks we have offered arts events and programs of all sorts, most well known, are Birmingham's beloved Día de los Muertos festival and Birmingham Taco. We have long needed a permanent public space to more fully serve our mission and this dream is becoming a reality with the recent purchase of a historic church building located in the heart of Woodlawn.
The structure, built in 1914, will be renovated and repurposed throughout 2025 and 2026 and reopened as Bare Hands Community Arts Center (BHCAC). With the support of community partners, this strategic investment will offer a safe haven to create, exhibit, perform, learn and inspire, acting as a hub where local artists and community-based arts programming can thrive in the vibrant Woodlawn neighborhood.
We will expand our current classes and workshops to include arts programs and initiatives built with Woodlawn community members based on our education model which employs local working artists as teaching mentors to students, of all ages, who are engaged as collaborators and proteges. We look forward to partnering organizations such as the four neighborhood associations of the Woodlawn Community and Woodlawn United in this community-based work which aims to address critical needs and make arts education accessible to all residents, including Spanish-speakers.
“This property is not just a physical space. It represents our long-term commitment to empowering individuals, fostering unity and promoting sustainability in this neighborhood and beyond.”
Board President, Mark Cenczyk
“We recognize that strong communities are built on collaboration, and we’re committed to working alongside other organizations, businesses, and residents in Woodlawn to foster an environment of growth, support and opportunity for everyone. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bare Hands, and we’re thrilled to see the positive impact this space will have for years to come.”
Executive Director, Aimee Castro.