Arts Center at Dunham
Did you know that the Arts Center at Dunham is one of three remaining buildings of the Dunham Hospital complex - the first municipally owned tuberculosis sanitorium in the United States - dating back to 1879?
The Arts Center at Dunham is a splendid example of art deco architecture, designed by Samuel Hannaford and sons as the arts and recreation center for patients of the former Dunham Hospital. When you visit, be sure to notice not only the large auditorium, but the terrazzo floors, bronze entryway, art deco fixtures, and lower level classrooms. The hannaford firm designed several other historical buildings in Cincinnati, including Memorial Hall, Music Hall and City Hall.
Sunset Players, the resident theatre group, signed a 25-year lease with the City of Cincinnati for the Dunham Arts Building at the Dunham Recreation Complex in July 2012, saving it from probable demolition. Sunset Players and the Arts Center at Dunham organization have assumed responsibilities for utilities, repairs, renovation, and restoration of the facility.
The Arts Center at Dunham
is in Need of a Renovation
The Arts Center at Dunham is facing a minimum $150,000 expense to complete the repair and restoration of the building facade, in addition to approximately $100,000 to complete Phase Two of the upgrade and replacement of the aging HVAC system. We are also facing a significant cost to make the building handicap-friendly, and many other items that bring the immediate funding need to a current estimate of $750,000.
The Sunset Players are spearheading the project, but working with them are members of the Price Hill Will Arts CAT, the Price Hill Civic Club, the Price Hill Historical Society, and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission. The "renovation" team, which is 100% volunteer, does as much as possible through volunteer hours in order to keep expenses low. As of December 31, 2023, more than 20,000 volunteer hours have been logged.
Our Partners:
Ways to help or get involved at the Arts Center at Dunham
The greater the support shown by local businesses and residents, the better our chances of securing funding from other sources, such as special arts and community grants! As we work to secure grants and raise funds, we ask you to consider supporting our efforts, either financially or with a little "elbow grease!"
Participate in our various fundraising activities (see the calendar on our Home page)
Provide a tax-deductible contribution
Be a part of our renovation team by:
Emailing us at sunset_players@yahoo.com
Calling us at 513-588-4988
No donation, contribution or volunteer effort is too small! Every little bit helps us get a step closer to reaching our goal to restore and renovate this historic West Side gem so it can be enjoyed by the Greater Cincinnati Community for years to come!
Upcoming Plays Spotlight
Bus Stop
This classic play takes place in the middle of a snowstorm, and a group of travelers is forced to take shelter in a diner where they find themselves grappling with their personal struggles and relationships.
Christmas at the Bayou Bowl
Another Christmas finds the DuPree family who own and operate the local bowling alley in yet more laughter-inducing turmoil.
The Wild Women of Winedale
This joyful and exuberant comedy focuses on three women who come up with unorthodox ways to clear the clutter from their lives, their homes and their relationships so they can move their lives forward
The Cottage
This side-splitting romp is an outrageous tale of sex, betrayal, and desire as one women decides to expose her latest affair to both her husband and her lover’s wife.