In July of this year, the Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center (ACWL-Nuveen) purchased their building at 106 E. Colby Street in downtown Whitehall. For an organization that is almost 40 years old, this was a monumental step and clear sign the ACWL-Nuveen is here to stay.
You may not have realized the ACWL-Nuveen was previously renting the current space, but it's been doing so since late 2014. Prior to the current location, it was located in Montague, where Figgs Boutique is now. The Arts Council of White Lake was started in 1986 to promote local arts happenings and to fill art programing gaps left by dwindling state art budgets. It grew to include a gallery in 1999 and an education space, the Nuveen Community Center for the Arts, in 2002. Today, the ACWL-Nuveen is home to a retail gallery featuring over 35 Michigan artists, an exhibition gallery which rotates through seven art exhibits each year, and classroom spaces that offer visual art and music opportunities for all ages. Along with participating in countless community events, the ACWL-Nuveen also hosts the popular free summer concert series at the Montague Bandshell.
Looking to the future, the ACWL-Nuveen will prioritize making necessary improvements to the building, such as a new roof and air conditioning units. Once those items are complete, the next step will be a renovation to enhance day-to-day function for staff and guests and to provide more, improved classroom space.
The ACWL-Nuveen staff and board are grateful to everyone who has made it possible for the organization to be where it is today. The council will continue to take steps to further improve and enhance the arts programming it provides in the White Lake and greater West Michigan area.
