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Arts and Culture Masonic Arts Center

Arts IncubatorThe 1911 Masonic Temple is an example of a historic structure as an anchor building exhibiting the growth and development of an industrial boom town, Wyandotte, which was the birthplace of the Bessemer Steel process in America. The structure, built by the internationally recognized fraternal service organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, exemplifies the efforts of a local chapter to recognize and promote a cultural awareness beyond the grind of the industrial revolution. In 1943 the building was bought by the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons. The Masons remained in the building for over 50 years, continuing the Oddfellows' tradition of community service and good fellowship.

After the Masons merged with another chapter and left the building, it served as a church for a number of years. The Masonic Temple was bought by the City of Wyandotte in 2008 to preserve the historic structure. The planned use for the building is to adapt it into an arts incubator; a facility with studios and galleries priced to be affordable for young and emerging artists. Additionally, the building will be used for a community arts center with educational and cultural programming. The development of a new arts incubator and cultural center addresses a need in the surrounding communities for creative space where artists and others can congregate to pursue their craft. The focus of efforts will be twofold - maintaining the architectural integrity of the building, and providing efficient, functional space that can be used on a daily basis by artists and visitors.

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) has awarded the 2009 Arts and Cultural Grants to the Downriver area, the City of Wyandotte received $23,500. The City of Wyandotte will use their grant to implement the Wyandotte arts incubator project and install an elevator in the Masonic Temple Building.

For more information about the Masonic Arts Center you may contact the Mayors office at 734-324-4540 or mayor@wyan.org

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