Collingwood Arts Center to end residency program

Collingwood Arts Center on Collingwood Blvd., in Toledo

Citing "significant electrical and plumbing issues" with its 108-year-old building, the Collingwood Arts Center informed its 28 artists-in-residence today that the residency program must end and they must move out within 30 days.

PHOTO GALLERY: CAC residents begin transition

A statement posted on the center's Facebook page and attributed to Sarah Kurfis, its executive director, said "arriving at this decision was very difficult" and that during upcoming weeks, CAC administration and board members "will be actively assisting" its residents' efforts to find new housing.

Studio and theater space at the 2413 Collingwood Blvd. center will not be affected, and it will remain home to such groups as the Children's Theatre Workshop, Northwest Ohio Community Shares, and the Toledo Pride 419 community center, according to the statement.

"Still, this transformation is the first step in an overall strategy to ensure that CAC remains an integral part of the Toledo community," the statement said. "Moving forward, the CAC plans to offer art-based programming and create new public spaces for community engagement and creativity. CAC will also be embarking on a capital campaign to restore and maintain our historic building."