The Luminary is Moving On Up

Just in time for its fifth anniversary, The Luminary Center for the Arts has officially landed its new spot at 2701-7 Cherokee Street, with a projected open date of spring 2013. Back in August, we told you all about The Luminary’s Kickstarter campaign to help reach its six-figure goal of purchasing a new building. Not only did Kickstarter bring a lot of attention (and money) to the cause, but more than 500 individuals and businesses also donated moeny to the ongoing capital campaign.

The 13,000-square-foot space will be home to a gallery and venue for public art showings, as well as studios, workshop space and housing for international artists-in-residence. Founders James and Brea McAnally say that because of the support from the St. Louis community and area businesses, the new location will be a true representation of St. Louis’ burgeoning arts community.

"We are able to move forward because hundreds of people decided to make it happen," James McAnnally says, "This move is a product of that energy and commitment. The space will reflect that, offering an incubator for the ideas we think will continue to affect the culture of the city well into the future."

Although the funding goal to secure the location and begin initial renovations has been met, there is still a lot of work to do. Extensive renovations are necessary before the new space can open, and the campaign will continue to raise money for this work, as well as the eventual purchase of the building. Until the new space is fully renovated and ready to roll, The Luminary will be operating out of a temporary space at 2644 Cherokee St., with exhibitions starting Oct. 19.

Find out more about the details of the project, and keep an eye on future developments at The Luminary's website.