King Arts Complex

38th Anniversary Gala
2025-05-16 19:00 - 23:00 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | The Fives at the Reach on Goodale, 550 Reach Boulevard, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Get ready for the event of the year! The 38th Annual King Arts Complex Gala is the spring celebration you won’t want to miss in Columbus! This incredible night is all about making a difference, supporting youth programs and performances, and honoring outstanding community leaders. We promise an unforgettable evening of excitement, entertainment, and inspiration that you’ll be talking about for years to come!
May 16, 2025
Hollywood Casino Columbus
7 PM – 11 PM

First Tuesday Tea
2025-06-03 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Tea: A term often used to refer to some juicy information
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders.
Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents.
Come sip some tea and be…
This event is free and open to the public:
Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome)
Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.
Project support for First Tuesday Tea comes from the Isabelle Ridgway Foundation.

13th Annual Women's Service Board Wine Sip
2025-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Thursday, June 5, 2025
6 PM – 8 PM
Nicholson Auditorium
The Women’s Service Board of the King Arts Complex presents the 13th Annual Wine Sip & Taste of Jazz on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 6 PM – 8 PM.
Enjoy music from the Otis Davenport Trio.
Join the Women’s Service Board in raising funds to support the King Arts Complex. Purchase tickets at 614-645-5464.
Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $50.00
Contact 614-645-5464 to purchase tickets or for more information.
Sponsored by The King Arts Complex – Women’s Service Board.

2025 Summer Camp
2025-06-09 09:00 - 16:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Get ready for the most exciting, joy-filled summer ever during the King Arts Complex Summer Camp 2025! This camp is bursting with fun, creativity, and endless opportunities for kids to shine. It’s a place where young hearts and minds can explore the arts through hands-on activities in music, dance, theater, visual arts, and so much more! With the guidance of talented instructors and local artists, campers will dive into amazing projects that celebrate the vibrant culture and history of he near-eastside community.
But it’s not just about the arts—it’s about building confidence, discovering new talents, and forming lifelong friendships. As campers learn about African American history and culture, they’ll gain a deep appreciation for their roots, all while having an absolute blast!
This is more than just a summer camp; it’s a place where creativity flourishes, memories are made, and every child can leave with a feeling of inspiration, empowerment, and ready to take on the world. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure at the King Arts Complex!
Summer Arts Camp is an 8-week, all day program. Summer Academy runs throughout the Columbus City Schools summer recess.
The camp will run on a STEAM module (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and will include:
• Dance
• Music
• Coding
• Visual Arts
• Creative Writing
• Photography
Scholarships
If this program is out of your price range, a scholarship opportunity may be available.
Registration begins in March 2025. Payment must be received prior completing the registration form.

Author Rob Franklin in Conversation with Acclaimed Poet and Essayist Hanif Abdurraqib
2025-06-15 16:00 - 18:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Join writer and scholar Rob Franklin for his gripping and elegant debut, Great Black Hope, about a young Black man caught between worlds of race and class, glamour and tragedy. Franklin will be in conversation with acclaimed poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib.
Registration is on Eventbrite. The pre-purchase of Great Black Hope while registering waives the $10 registration fee.
KING ARTS COMPLEX is Gramercy’s Community Partner for this program.
An arrest for cocaine possession on the last day of a sweltering New York summer leaves Smith, a queer Black Stanford graduate, in a state of turmoil. Pulled into the court system and mandated treatment, he finds himself in an absurd but dangerous situation: his class protects him, but his race does not.
It’s just weeks after the death of his beloved roommate Elle, the daughter of a famous soul singer, and he’s still reeling from the tabloid spectacle—as well as lingering questions around how well he really knew his closest friend. He flees to his hometown of Atlanta, only to buckle under the weight of expectations from his family of doctors and lawyers and their history in America. But when Smith returns to New York, it’s not long before he begins to lose himself to his old life—drawn back into the city’s underworld, where his search for answers may end up costing him his freedom and his future.
Smith goes on a dizzying journey through the nightlife circuit, anonymous recovery rooms, Atlanta’s Black society set, police investigations and courtroom dramas, and a circle of friends coming of age in a new era. Great Black Hope is a propulsive, glittering story about what it means to exist between worlds, to be upwardly mobile yet spiraling downward, and how to find a way back to hope.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Rob Franklin is a writer of fiction and poetry, and a cofounder of Art for Black Lives. A Kimbilio Fiction Fellow and finalist for the New England Review Emerging Writer Award, he has published work in New England Review, Prairie Schooner, and The Rumpus among others. Franklin lives in Brooklyn, New York, and teaches writing at the School of Visual Arts. Great Black Hope is his first novel.
Hanif Abdurraqib is a nationally acclaimed poet, essayist, and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio. His most recent book of essays, A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance, was a finalist for the National Book Award in Nonfiction and named one of the ten best books of the year by Publishers Weekly. He is the author of two poetry collections, The Crown Ain’t Worth Much and A Fortune for Your Disaster. His first collection of essays, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, was named a book of the year by NPR, Esquire, BuzzFeed, O: The Oprah Magazine, Pitchfork, and Chicago Tribune, among others. Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to a Tribe Called Quest was a New York Times bestseller and a National Book Critics Circle Award and Kirkus Prize finalist and was longlisted for the National Book Award. In 2021, he was named a MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow.

Juneteenth Commemoration
2025-06-20 11:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Texas, this historic day has been observed every June 19th since 1865. Join us as we honor this significant milestone in history with a day full of exciting activities.
Event highlights include:
Speakers
Performances
Local Vendors
Reality Vibez with Taylor Branding Co.
Come celebrate with us and be part of this meaningful occasion!

Juneteenth on the Avenue
2025-06-21 12:00 - 18:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Save the Date!!!
June 21st, 2025 | 12pm – 6pm
Juneteenth is celebrated annually, usually on the 19th of June to mark the date when some of the last enslaved people in the Confederacy were notified of their freedom following the Civil War. Juneteenth on the Ave.™ is set to take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm in the heart of Bronzeville Columbus with a the city-wide, family-friendly celebration and commemoration of Freedom.

27th Annual Heritage Music Festival
2025-07-10 18:00 - 21:00 | Mayme Moore Park, 867 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Step into the heart of Columbus’ rich musical legacy at the King Arts Complex’s annual Heritage Music Festival! Set in the historic “Cradle of Jazz,” the Mount Vernon area of the King Lincoln District comes alive every Thursday in July and August. This is the place to be, where the sounds of Jazz, Classical R&B, Inspirational, and Blues will electrify the air as local, regional, and national artists take the stage and keep the energy soaring.
For over two decades, the Heritage Music Festival has been a cornerstone of our community, drawing nearly 5,000 attendees each week to experience the vibrant power of music and culture. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or solo, it’s an event for everyone—uniting people of all backgrounds celebrating music, art, and togetherness. With a Food Court to satisfy your cravings and reserved tables on the Patio for a more elevated experience, the festival is designed for comfort and enjoyment.
Bring your blanket or lawn chair and settle in at the beautiful Mayme Moore Park for an unforgettable evening of music, memories, and pure community spirit!

NIA Performing Arts - Back 2 School
2025-08-16 12:00 - 16:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Get ready to kick off the new school year in style at our Annual Back to School Celebration – hosted by the Nia Performing Arts Executive Board.
Bring your family, invite our friends, and join us for an afternoon packed with fun, music, and community spirit! We’re coming together to celebrate, support one another, and make this school year the best one yet.
Do you want to get involved or need more information – call Nia Performing Arts at 614-233-1748
Let’s make memories and uplift our community ~ see you there!

Heir of Becoming by Sir'ra - Gallery Closing Reception
2025-08-28 17:00 - 19:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Thursday, August 28 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
The King Arts Complex – [Elijah Pierce Gallery]
Join us for a special closing reception celebrating the powerful exhibition “Heir of Becoming” by Sir’ra. Enjoy light refreshments, meet the artist, and connect with fellow art lovers as we reflect on the impact of this creative journey.
Free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!
Artist Statement: Arris’ J. Cohen (Sir’ra)
As an emerging artist deeply rooted in the traditions of Diasporic realism and Afrofuturism, my acrylic paintings and murals serve as a canvas where culture, love, and the sensory interplay of color and sound converge. I draw from a redemptive spirit that mirrors my journey and the broader narrative of the African diaspora, aiming to bridge the past with visionary futures.
In my work, I strive to transcend the conventional boundaries of time and space, blending the historical with the speculative. Each stroke is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of art. My palette is vibrant and expressive, echoing the rich and diverse tones of the diaspora while invoking the rhythmic beats that have sustained our communities across continents and eras.
The themes of my paintings are as layered as the identities I explore. They are imbued with a profound respect for our ancestors and a hopeful gaze towards the possibilities of tomorrow. Through my art, I invite viewers to experience a fusion of reality and possibility, encouraging a reﬂective journey into the depths of what it means to be connected by a shared heritage, yet diversiﬁed by our unique stories.
As I continue to evolve as an artist, my goal remains steadfast: to create art that not only reﬂects the soul of a culture but also ignites conversations and inspires change. In each piece, I seek to capture the essence of Afrofuturism—not just as a genre but as a movement, a form of cultural expression that aﬃrms our place in both history and the inﬁnite landscapes of the future.

First Tuesday Tea
2025-09-02 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Meet C. Sunny Martin of Mahogany Media Group along with chair exercises with Greg Pearson!
Tea: A term often used to refer to some juicy information
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders.
Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents.
Come sip some tea and be…
This event is free and open to the public:
Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome)
Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.

Mahogany Columbus - Magazine Release & Networking Event
2025-09-04 18:00 - 20:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Thursday, September 4 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
The King Arts Complex
Join our partners at Mahogany Columbus for their next Magazine Release and Networking event. It’s a celebration for Educators, HBCU Alumni, and D9 Fraternities & Sororities members on Thursday, September 4th from 6 PM – 8 PM live at the King Arts Complex!
Don’t miss a chance to meet Central Ohio’s leaders and achievers.
Admission is FREE!

African Parish House Quilters - Exhibition
2025-10-02 09:00 - 2025-10-25 16:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
The African Parish House Quilters was founded by the late Barbara Holt Payne and Deborah E. (Mullens) Pinckney under the tutelage of the late Wyrelene Mays. This group had its first meeting at the African Parish House, 189 N. 20th Street, on May 17, 1997, with subsequent meeting held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. The group is the result of the union of two visions. Barbara was inspired by the work of Carolyn Mazloomi and her Women of Color Quilters Network and wanted to start a group in Columbus. Deborah wanted to use her interest in quilting as a means of giving back to the community, as part of the outreach of the now defunct Hebron Baptist Church, a house church which met in the African Parish House. This church was under the leadership of Pastor William¬ Amanze M. Pinckney.
In February 1997 Mrs. Payne and Mrs. Mays held a quilting demonstration at the MLK branch of the library at 1600 E. Long Street introducing participants to yo-yo quilting. Deborah attended this demo and had the opportunity to share with them her desire to preserve the art of quilting relative to the historical significance in the African American community. Consequently, Barbara and Deborah came together to start the African Parish House Quilters. The name came about as a result of the meeting where those in attendance voted to have this group name, since this is where meetings were being held. The African Parish House got its name, because it was the former parsonage for pastors of the Mt. Vernon A.M.E. Church.

SOAR
2025-10-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-11 13:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Begins September 6 and ends October 11, 2025.
Deadline to register is September 2, 2025.
Soar on Saturdays is a dance access program created in partnership with The King Arts Complex. It is aimed to give young students ages 8-12 the opportunity to explore movement over the course of a free six-week dance class. Four different six-week sessions will be offered throughout the academic year, each featuring a unique style of dance. Classes meet once a week.
Questions, please email education@balletmet.org.

43rd Annual Columbus Kiwanis College Fair
2025-10-07 09:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Free admission!
Meet with recruiters from colleges, trade organizations, employers and military! Open to Columbus City Schools SENIORS ONLY due to space limitations.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The King Arts Complex
835 Mt. Vernon Ave. Columbus, OH 43203
Hands on career exploration and ‘advising’ on subjects such as college financing.

First Tuesday Tea
2025-10-14 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders.
Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents.
Come sip some tea and be…
This event is free and open to the public:
Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome)
Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.
Project support for First Tuesday Tea comes from the Isabelle Ridgway Foundation.

Park National Bank & Homeport: Homebuyer Workshop
2025-10-22 17:00 - 19:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Are you thinking about buying a home?
Our $15,000 grant makes the dream more doable!
Please join us for a free, informational homebuyer workshop in a relaxed setting. Doors open with refreshments at 5:00 p.m. and the presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. Door prizes1 will be given away, too!
Park’s community home lenders and a HUD-certified homebuyer education counselor from Homeport will discuss:
• Park’s new $15,000 home loan grant program2
• 100% financing options
• The homebuying process
• Managing, building and improving your credit
• What it means to prequalify and how to do it
Come for the education, stay to get prequalified!
We’ll be happy to answer questions and can help you prequalify.
A Spanish speaking lender from Park will be present at this workshop.

Creative Women of Color Exhibition
2025-11-06 09:00 - 2025-11-07 16:30, 2025-11-10 09:00 - 2025-11-14 16:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Creative Women of Color is a collective of African American women artists whose mission is to educate, encourage, inspire and provide a creative connection with the community for the purpose of advancing the arts. Creative Women of Color Members: Creative Women of Color views art as a powerful social force; a form of expression that has always been part of the structure of our society. As African American Woman artists, our work is influenced by our heritage and cultural traditions. CWOC represents a broad and diverse range of artistic talent.

First Tuesday Tea
2025-11-06 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Because of the Election the First Tuesday Tea this month will be held on Thursday November 6, 2025.
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders. Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents. Come sip some tea and be… This event is free and open to the public: Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome) Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.

Creative Women of Color - Exhibition Opening Reception
2025-11-06 18:00 - 20:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Creative Women of Color Mission Statement: Creative Women of Color is a collective of African American women artists whose mission is to educate, encourage, inspire and provide a creative connection with the community for the purpose of advancing the arts. Creative Women of Color Members: Creative Women of Color views art as a powerful social force; a form of expression that has always been part of the structure of our society. As African American Woman artists, our work is influenced by our heritage and cultural traditions. CWOC represents a broad and diverse range of artistic talent.

Creative Women of Color
2025-11-17 09:00 - 2025-11-21 16:30, 2025-11-24 09:00 - 2025-11-28 16:30, 2025-12-01 09:00 - 2025-12-05 17:00, 2025-12-08 09:00 - 2025-12-12 16:30, 2025-12-15 09:00 - 2025-12-19 16:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States

Quan Howell Project - Toy Donation Concert
2025-11-22 18:00 - 21:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
We are excited to partner with Making A Difference Inc. and the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA for a community toy drive and special performance from the Quan Howell Project. Event will be held on Saturday, November 22nd beginning at 6 PM.

Bring a toy or $20 for admission.

First Tuesday Tea
2025-12-02 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders. Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents. Come sip some tea and be… This event is free and open to the public: Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome) Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.

Legends & Legacies
2025-12-11 18:00 - 20:30 | The Fives at the Reach on Goodale, 550 Reach Boulevard, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
The King Arts Complex is proud to present the 17th Annual Legends & Legacies, an annual celebration honoring African American trailblazers who have made profound contributions to media, culture, civic leadership, and social impact. This year, Legends & Legacies will honor the extraordinary history and impact of Columbus Black Journalists. We will celebrate Ann B. Walker (posthumously), Angela Pace, Dana Tyler, Jerry Revish, and Mike Jackson (posthumously) for their remarkable contributions to journalism and our community.
The doors open at 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, and the program begins at 7:00 PM at The Fives Columbus. A special Fireside Chat will be moderated by former Columbus Mayor, Michael B. Coleman. The Legends & Legacies program recognizes individuals whose work represents the highest levels of social justice, human rights, artistic excellence, civic leadership, cultural democracy, and community service. The event continues a long-standing King Arts Complex tradition of celebrating African American excellence and preserving the stories of those who have shaped our collective history.
CLICK HERE to Purchase Tickets
