About Us
About Us - the Oxford Community Arts Center
Celebrating our 25th year, the Oxford Community Arts Center (OCAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that thrives in the historic Oxford Female Institute at the heart of Oxford, OH.
Situated on the western edge of the Mile Square Historic District, OCAC strengthens Oxford’s character and fosters civic pride. OCAC unites people through shared cultural experiences as a central hub for community engagement. Moreover, it drives regional economic growth by enhancing the artistic landscape, promoting cultural tourism, and boosting the Greater Cincinnati area’s reputation as a vibrant arts destination.
OCAC serves as a gathering place for artists and art lovers in Oxford. We offer free events like the 2nd Friday Celebration of the Arts, Howl at the Moon, and Holiday Fest, as well as art exhibitions, concerts, and classes. OCAC broadens horizons, sparks creativity, and allows artistic inspiration to flourish.
Programming at the OCAC is made possible by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign, the City of Oxford, and our Annual Campaign donors.
Learn more about our Enduring and Community Partners.
Follow us @OxfordCommunityArtsCenter on Facebook and @oxcomartscenter on Instagram.
Our Mission
The Oxford Community Arts Center's mission is built on enduring values: to enrich lives through diverse cultural programming, to preserve the 177-year-old historic Oxford College building, and to ensure future generations have access to the arts. These guiding principles drive our purpose and shape our priorities.
Meet our Staff and Committee Volunteers
The Oxford Community Arts Center employs 3 full-time and 6 part-time staff. We are fortunate to have 45 community volunteers who serve on 8 organizational committees.
History of the Oxford Community Arts Center
Formed in 1998, the Oxford Community Arts group officially incorporated as the Oxford Community Arts Center on October 29, 2001. When Miami University planned to dispose of the historic building, formerly known as the Oxford Female Institute and later Oxford College for Women, a group of 12 arts-minded citizens saw an opportunity. They created a steering committee to preserve the building, transform it into a center for the arts, and serve the Oxford community.
