Making Art History
“A gathering place for culture and creativity in Plano”
In our video, see how the ArtCentre of Plano adds to the energy and vitality of the downtown arts district and why the arts and arts education are vital to a successful community.
The ArtCentre is a perfect venue for families to enjoy the arts and celebrate nature in Haggard Park.
The ArtCentre of Plano was founded in 1981 as the Cultural Arts Council of Plano (CACOP), a private non-profit organization to promote the growth and development of emerging community arts groups. In 1982, CACOP moved into donated space in Plano’s Collin Creek Mall, from which CACOP would provide quality arts programming to the community for the next ten years.
In 1991 CACOP purchased the Harrington Furniture Store, a 100-year-old landmark at the corner of 15th Street and K Avenue in downtown Plano. The historic property was renovated into a community arts center, in conjunction with the organization’s name change to the ArtCentre of Plano. The ArtCentre would go on to become a cornerstone of the City of Plano’s comprehensive plan to revitalize the historic downtown area, helping to establish the area as a center for local arts and cultural activities and serving as a key fixture in the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District.
Throughout its history, the ArtCentre of Plano has been recognized as a key promoter of the visual arts, local artists, and arts education in Plano and the surrounding community.
After twenty years in the former Harrington Furniture Store building, the ArtCentre relocated to another historic downtown Plano location, the Olney-Davis house on 18th Street. Five years later, the organization would move again, finding a temporary home in the Cox Building on H Avenue during the City of Plano’s renovation of the historic Saigling House.
In 2017, the ArtCentre moved into its new permanent home, the Saigling House, located at the vibrant and scenic Haggard Park. As an event and exhibition center, the Saigling House serves as the “Living Room of Plano,” a popular, affordable, and accessible venue available for rent by individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations.
Throughout its history, the ArtCentre of Plano has been recognized as a key promoter of the visual arts, local artists, and arts education in Plano and the surrounding community. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors to the ArtCentre are provided with free access to local and nationally recognized artists, works and collections. The organization is also an outstanding educational resource, delivering high-quality and interesting programming to adults and children in the greater Plano community. Thanks to the support of its patrons, visitors, and community, the ArtCentre of Plano is extending its legacy as an engine for growth and development of the arts in greater Plano.
Harrington Furniture Store, a 100-year-old landmark at 1039 E. 15th Street in historic downtown Plano.
901 18th Street
The Saigling House renovation by the City of Plano.
Photo by Jennifer Shertzer, Plano Magazine
The Saigling House, home of the ArtCentre of Plano, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
The ArtCentre of Plano fosters equity and diversity and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives of visitors, volunteers, and staff make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts.
As a cultural arts organization,
We strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all.
We strive to ensure that visitors, volunteers, staff, and our exhibitions reflect diversity.
We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives.
We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and exchange of ideas through arts and culture.