History

Rebirth and a Vision

On September 11, 2002, Rebirth Productions, lead by Matthew Kwatinetz, initiated a City-Wide festival that found its home at 1621 - 12th Avenue, in the recently vacated home of the Morningside Academy and Serpentine Studios. That first annual Waging Peace Festival grew from the efforts of a group of artists intentionally united to re-image the world and included over 100 artists, 20+ organizations, and five venues.

The feeling of collaborating with and supporting so many artists and organizations was addictive, and Rebirth Productions went into retreat to brainstorm how the space could be acquired long-term to provide an urban home for the highest quality live performance; a platform for the growth of local artists and companies of the region's cultural community; and the development of social awareness through an experiment in community place-making. It was determined that a new organization was needed, and the sister company to ReBirth, then called "Renaissance" was formed in late 2002.

Organizational Models

Renaissance began as a non-profit organization, but as a very young organization it could not qualify for a great deal of support that could eventually be available for an organization with its mission. It looked as if the well-intentioned group was going to lose the space. Time was of the essence in maintaining a presence in the building and on Capitol Hill, and once again its members went into retreat to try to come up with another creative solution. After a great deal of research, it was determined to follow the linked prosperity model of sustainable business pioneered by the early management of Ben & Jerry's! This business model was known for analyzing not just profit, but multiple bottom lines including quality, innovation, community value, and sustainability. The new company was focused locally and changed its name to Capitol Hill Arts Center. 

Today

CHAC is both the building located on the bustling 12th Avenue as well as the virtual community associated with it. Its community and building include individuals, organizations, and artists focused on the performing arts as well as the culinary and holistic arts. It is our belief that all of these elements form the essential "food groups" necessary to feed the soul. You can find a list of some of our closest partners and tenants at the bottom of this or any page of the website. Our communities intersect and gather in our comfortable subterranean Lounge, located "down the ramp", and open 7 days a week, featuring a rotating art gallery and fine quality specialty cocktails. WiFi is available for your use free of charge. Come by and have a look! Pick up our newsletter and find out why over 1000 people per week are visiting our building!

Besides being a home, CHAC is both a platform and an incubator for live performance. We have several artistic companies in residence, and dozens more as regular producing partners. In 2007, CHAC spun off its theatrical producing arm, Theater Under Ground, which produced the critically acclaimed 80 minute, 3-actor production of Crime and Punishment. In the Lower Level club, Electric Avenue and Club V find their weekly home, amongst other great club and dance events. CHAC is also the annual home of the 14/48 Theater Festival, Ten Tiny Dances, and many others. We are proud to showcase our Community Development Fund, which offers grants to artists and organizations in excess of $50,000 per year in the form of consulting and space donations.

Please join our email list, pick up a newsletter, and come down the ramp and have a cocktail with us!