DAC is a multi-faceted hub for community arts that hosts and promotes contemporary visual and performing arts, arts education, dynamics exhibits, and the annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival. Over the years, DAC has built its reputation as a local arts industry leader and has been working diligently to ensure that the arts continue to thrive in the Four Corners region and beyond. What is affectiona
tely known throughout the Four Corners as “DAC,” the Arts Center actually has a founding history rich in the support and development of the arts in this region that reaches back more than 50 years. The DAC is the result of a confluence of two agencies – the Durango Fine Arts Council (DFAC) and the Durango Artists Association (DAA) – both created in the 1960’s to develop and promote regional activity and interest in the arts, including fine arts and cultural activities. The building housing DAC, originally built as a car dealership in the 1920s, was slated for demolition in 1996 when the community came together to raise funds to renovate the facility into a community arts center. As the DAC is not a city or municipal entity it relies on the generosity of its patrons and supporters for the maintenance of the building, the operations and programming. The 17,700-square-foot building is now home to a gallery, 200-seat theater, arts library, dance and education studios and more.
