DAC FAQs

Here are some fundamental facts about the Downtown Art Center.

What is DAC’s mission?

Downtown Art Center (DAC) was established to build a thriving and vibrant Downtown/Chinatown through the power of creativity and the arts. DAC, located in Chinatown Gateway Plaza, provides creative arts experiences to all incomes, ages, and skill levels. 

We provide collaborating arts and culture nonprofits affordable spaces for offices, creative maker spaces and art exhibitions, classes, and special events. DAC also supports Hawaiʻi’s art communities by providing opportunities to exhibit and sell their work to the greater community. 

Where is DAC located and when is it open?

DAC’s main Exhibition Space gallery is located at 1041 Nuʻuanu Ave., on the second floor of Chinatown Gateway Plaza, above the Downtown Satellite City Hall. Upstairs gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Please call (808) 773-7339 for more information.

Our downstairs DAC retail art shop hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Please call (808) 532-5693 for more information.

How is DAC helping the Downtown/Chinatown, Honolulu communities and beyond?

In addition to providing local arts organizations a beautiful, spacious venue to show their artwork to the public, DAC hosts art and community-related classes and workshops for adults, children and seniors. No one else is filling this niche the way we do.

How can I help out?

1.     Become a volunteer! If you love art, meeting new people and making a difference in your community, email volunteer@downtownarthi.org to find out more about joining the DAC volunteer ʻohana. Perks include an insider's perspective on the Honolulu arts scene, and our undying love and gratitude.

2.     Help us grow with a financial donation! Downtown Art Center began as a seed of an idea, and has been nurtured by our community, nonprofit partners and friends like you. Your tax deductible donation will be put to active use funding our adult, kupuna and keiki programs, expenses, hardworking staff, and other creative initiatives. Donate here!
 

What other organizations are involved with DAC?

There are six founding nonprofit charter member organizations at DAC:

·       Hawaiʻi Craftsmen

·       Hawaiʻi Watercolor Society

·       Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui

·       Hawaiʻi Potters Guild

·       Pastel Artists of Hawaiʻi

·       Glass Fusion Collective

In addition, Creative Arts Experience and Hawaiiʻi Arts Alliance are founding nonprofit partners.

Two of these charter organizations, Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui and Hawaiʻi Arts Alliance, are in physical residence at DAC. Under the direction of Executive Director Sandra Pohl, DAC also manages the collection of renowned local artist Louis Pohl.

How can I follow DAC on social media and keep up to date on what’s going on?

You can Like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram to keep up with the latest and see features from our current show. We also use the Instagram hashtag #downtownarthi.

You can also subscribe to our email newsletter by filling out the form at the bottom of this page!