River Raisin Centre for the Arts

The River Raisin Centre for the Arts (RRCA), located in Historic Downtown Monroe, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching the community through the arts. Established in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) entity, the RRCA was born from the vision of community leaders who sought to preserve and repurpose the 1938 art deco Monroe Movie Theater as a vibrant arts center. Originally opened in February 1938, the Monroe Theater emerged as a premier venue for movies during the Golden Era of cinema. With a seating capacity of 1,200, it attracted sellout crowds who enjoyed its Southwest Art Deco style and bustling atmosphere. The theater remained a cornerstone of entertainment in Monroe throughout the 1940s and 1950s, undergoing a significant renovation in 1961 to stay competitive. Despite its popularity, the rise of new entertainment options led to its closure in 1975, and the building faced the threat of demolition. In a bid to save the historic site, a group from the Downtown Kiwanis Club, including then city manager Pete Gozza and Tom Treece, rallied support and funds to purchase the theater. With a combined effort from the Kiwanis Club, Monroe Bank & Trust, and the formation of a board of directors, the group succeeded in acquiring the building for $50,000 in 1987. The early years of the RRCA saw extensive cleaning efforts by local community players and civic organizations, as well as critical repairs funded by local businesses. Although the theater was used sporadically for events, the full realization of an operational arts center was delayed by the economic downturn of the early 1990s. The turning point came in 1996 when the RRCA appointed its first professional Executive Director. This led to a significant increase in community services, including a six-show series of touring artists, the establishment of a dance academy, and the introduction of a summer theatre arts camp for youth. The facility's usage grew exponentially, from 60 days in 1995 to over 350 days per year, hosting national tours, local presentations, and educational workshops. Today, the RRCA continues to evolve, with a focus on expanding its arts education programs, which now feature a Dance Academy, School of Music, and Creative Dramatics Program. The center's survival and growth are a testament to its importance in the region, and its future hinges on meeting the profound need for arts programming—a role for which the RRCA is well-positioned as a proven leader. The organization's ongoing challenge is to manage its growth and resource development to ensure the long-term viability of its performance and educational offerings, contributing to the economic vitality and quality of life in Monroe County.