Local center provides a hub for the arts

Pompano Beach’s Bailey Contemporary Arts, or BaCA, opened in 2014 with a mission to rejuvenate the city’s arts scene.

Officials from BaCA, now in its second year, are hoping to increase the number of events to further engage the public.

“The whole idea behind BaCA was to make it a creative, edgy, multidisciplinary cultural hub for artists in the city,” said Alyona Ushe, BaCA’s executive director. “The first year is always a challenge, and we wanted to build the foundation and solidify our vision.”

BaCA, 41 NE First St., was part of the city’s redevelopment along its Creative Arts District, just north of Atlantic Boulevard. The venue received more than $1 million in renovations to help establish an art studio where local artists can create their latest works, as well as display space and host art and music festivals.

“Art has been shown internationally to be a driver of economic development,” City Commissioner Rex Hardin said. “People look for art and things to do in the art arena.”

The venue hosts live performances of poetry and different musical genres, including hip-hop, jazz and blues. Additionally, BaCA has begun art and music workshops.

“We want people to experience the venue fully because you can always com- bine music with arts,” Ushe said.

Over the summer, BaCA is beginning a series of performances and workshops that focus on engaging residents and attracting local performers.

BaCA is also hosting a free Limelight Street Party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 24. The street party is being billed as a live music event featuring food and art displays. Other events include an international night, Brazilian festival, Paint & Sip and Fresh Air: A Poetry and Spoken Word workshop.

For more information, visit BacaPompano.org.