Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA) is an incubator for artistic innovation and education. Since its inception in 2014, the venue has exhibited the multidisciplinary works of hundreds of leading local, national, and international artists. The historic venue is also a tremendous draw for those looking to enhance their artistic skills and appreciation through workshops, classes, tours, and events.
BaCA boasts over 6,000 square feet of exhibition space, divided into three galleries which can function independently or as part of a collaborative exhibition. The second floor of the venue is the creative home for the Artists in Residence (A.I.R.s) Program. These art studios are occupied with painters, photographers, interdisciplinary artists, and ceramicists. The second floor also features an open social area for artistic dialogue, creative collaboration, and events. BaCA is also one of the few spaces in the region that offers two kilns to resident ceramics and pottery artists.
History of Bailey Contemporary Arts Center
Guests who visit the venue are immediately impressed by the historic feel of the building, which had been the former Bailey Hotel, the one-time epicenter of a thriving downtown Pompano Beach. Built in 1923, the historic site is the second oldest remaining building (behind the old Farmer’s Bank building next door) and is part of the longest contiguous collection of historic buildings in Broward County.
In 2012, the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) purchased the building for $1 million and in 2014 completed over $1.2 million in renovations to the building. In 2018, the Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department took over the operations and programming of the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center.
Today
We encourage you to visit BaCA, which houses artist studios and features large galleries that serve as exhibition and education spaces, and an open social area for artistic dialogue. BaCA offers residents and visitors to explore their creative side with workshops, events, studio visits, lectures, intimate concerts and monthly exhibitions. Please check our calendar for upcoming events!
