The Ernest A. Finney, Jr. Cultural Arts Center

The Ernest A. Finney, Jr. Cultural Arts Center is a community center in Columbia, SC. The center serves as a gathering place for community conversations and the celebration of Black history and culture through various disciplines, including music, visual art, poetry, dance, theatre, and the culinary arts. This 5.00-rated organization provides a space for community building and life-sustaining activities.

The center, which officially opened in the summer of 2022 in the former Southern Electric building, functions as an incubator for African American expression and the Black aesthetic. The organization focuses on the intersection of historical Black cultural expression and modern creative ideas to bridge communities. Future developments include a state-of a-art renovation featuring transformed studios, multipurpose spaces, and a stage with 200 seats that can open to the outdoors. The center has also expanded its footprint by acquiring the historic Evans House, the former residence and office of Dr. Matilda A. Evans, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Located on Laurens Street, the center sits at the border of the historic Robert Mills and Waverly Community Districts. It is situated near the Richland County Administration office, the Richland County Health Department, and the historic Site of the Lighthouse and Informer.

The business maintains thorough, well-documented information online through a well-optimized website that is easily read by search engines.

The Ernest A. Finney, Jr. Cultural Arts Center remains a vital destination for art and culture within the Columbia community.