Brick City Center for the Arts / Marion Cultural Alliance
Brick City Center for the Arts, home of Marion Cultural Alliance - ART GALLERY / GIFT SHOP / EVENT VENUE
Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), a nonprofit, 501(c)3 was established in 2001, with its inaugural effort, the Horse Fever public art project. MCA’s mission is to champion, convene, and create opportunities for artists and arts organizations. MCA supports activities relating to the arts, historical and scientific museums, and specific education through grants, advocacy, fundraising, and partnerships.
MCA has donated over $1.5 million to the arts and other charitable organizations in Ocala/Marion County and established a Cultural Endowment fund of $900,000. MCA has supported local arts organizations with over $310,000 through its annual Cultural Grant Awards.
In 2015, MCA established the Four Friends Grant Fund as a permanent endowment, designed to generate income for small grants to support individual MCA member artists for equipment, training, and supplies. MCA launched this initiative in early January 2019.
MCA also operates the Brick City Center for the Arts, downtown Ocala's premier art gallery, located in historic downtown Ocala. Monthly rotating exhibits feature art by regional artists. The venue, and its adjacent courtyard, is a sought after rental for special events. 'The Brick' is a versatile venue for rentals located in the heart of historic downtown Ocala. This unique space includes an art gallery and beautifully landscaped courtyard, both can be easily transformed to accommodate a variety of performances, professional or personal occasions.
In addition to our beautiful gallery, the adjacent courtyard makes for a spectacular setting. Lush and beautifully maintained landscaping, complemented by new awnings and lighting create a welcoming space embedded in the heart of historic downtown. The courtyard is included with indoor rentals or can be rented separately. Your rental experience will be expertly guided by our Gallery Director. Catering, beer, and wine are permitted. Rentals are available day and evening until 10pm, seven days a week based on availability.
MCA's MISSION:
Our mission is to
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- Champion
- Convene
- Create
MCA is a champion of the ARTs in Marion County. We champion grants to help ARTists, ART Organizations, educators, school projects and much more. MCA pARTners with organizations to bring culture of all types to our community, whether it’s music, theater, or artwork.
MCA convenes the ARTs for both ARTists, businesses, ART enthusiasts and collectors. We do this by supporting activities, initiatives and programs relating to the arts, fine arts, historical and scientific museums through grants, advocacy, fundraising and partnerships.
MCA is located at The Brick in the heart of downtown Ocala. Our gallery exhibits change monthly and also has a store where artwork is sold.
MCA creates opportunities for artists and organizations to develop their talents and learn how to make art their business. For example, MCA partners with the CEP to host bi-annual workshops for ARTrepreneurs titled, “How to Make Your Art Your Business.” We offer grants to ARTists providing opportunities into their field.
We are passionate about our community, artists, and artist organizations. Our vision is to empower, encourage and provide opportunities for expression for each of these groups. We hope to have a lot of fun in the process!
