Event Spaces in Ann Arbor
Looking for event spaces in Ann Arbor? From intimate gatherings to mid-size celebrations, the A2AC is the perfect place for any occasion, including bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, small to medium-sized wedding ceremonies and receptions, corporate training events, holiday parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, high school reunions, and more. Located in the historic Walker Building in the heart of downtown, the Ann Arbor Art Center in Downtown Ann Arbor is a unique venue to host your next private event.
Clients may rent Studios separately or together to accommodate your event requirements. Tables, chairs, and Edison lights are available to rent for an additional fee. Capacities will depend on your layout, what studio(s) you rent, and other general equipment.
“We’ve planned hundreds of weddings throughout the State of Michigan, and I can say without hesitation that the Ann Arbor Art Center has been one of the best places we’ve ever planned an event. Going into it I was certain that they wouldn’t be supportive and allow us to take risks (most venues aren’t and would rather do the same event time and time again), but I don’t know why I thought that. They believe in the arts! The art of design, the art of creativity, the art of wonder, and the art of entertainment! It is for this reason we were able to design and execute the type of event that brought our clients to tears, and their guests to a point of total amazement. Thank you, Ann Arbor Art Center. Not only is your space a perfect blank canvas in which to create, but your staff went above and beyond for us. We really cannot thank you enough!” – Alison Laesser-Keck and Bryan Keck, Alison Bryan Destinations
Available Event Spaces at the A2AC
Studio 201
This multipurpose studio space on our second floor has white walls, wood floors, and sunny windows. This space is excellent as a classroom or for smaller gatherings. It can accommodate a maximum of 50 people.
Studio 203
This is an add-on space available for Studio 201. It can be added to your rental with an additional charge for extra space. It is not available to rent on its own.
Studio 301
Our historic studio space on our third floor has brick walls, wood floors, and sunny windows. This space is excellent as a classroom or for smaller gatherings. It can accommodate a maximum of 50 people. A pair of double doors allows one to quickly add on the adjacent room, Studio 302, for additional space.
Studio 302
A smaller version of Studio 301 comes with the same beautiful brick walls and wood floors. This room is our smallest space and is excellent for meetings or intimate gatherings. Studio 302 can quickly be joined with Studio 301 but can accommodate a maximum of 20 people independently.
Studio 303
This is an add-on space available for Studios 301 & 302. It can be added to your rental with an additional charge for extra space. It is not available to rent on its own.
Please complete the inquiry form below to inquire about facility rental details and availability or to book a tour.
A staff member will contact you within 5 to 10 business days.
We ask that you hold any further calls or e-mails during that time so that we may review the information you provided. See Event Space Photos and our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rental fees, and how much time do they permit?
There is a four-hour minimum contractual time to rent the Art Center facilities. The contracted time starts when you or your representatives arrive for set-up. Allow at least one hour for set-up (most caterers prefer 1.5 hours), factor in time for the event (when guests are in the building), and then at least one hour for clean-up. An average facility rental is 6 hours. Rental fees are based on the total number of hours used.
Do you have a preferred vendor list?
We do not require you to use specific vendors; however, we strongly recommend using a vendor from our preferred vendors’ list. The companies on our list are top quality and have an excellent record of working in our facilities regularly and understanding our policies, procedures, and how to utilize our unique space best. Suppose the caterer or vendor has not used our facilities. In that case, they must meet with the facilities coordinator at least two weeks before the event for a walk-through and understand the limitations of our kitchenette and prep/serving areas, the contractual set-up and clean-up times, and their clean-up responsibilities.
Can I serve alcohol at my event?
To serve alcohol at the Ann Arbor Art Center, your caterer must have a liquor license or a certificate of liability insurance on file no later than two weeks before the contracted date. You list the Ann Arbor Art Center as the certificate holder, including the Art Center as an additional insured and Waiver of Subrogation under the General Liability. Suppose the client is an individual and does not have a caterer with the required insurance coverage. In that case, the client must secure insurance through www.theeventhelper.com, or you must hire a SafeServ Certified licensed bartender. Any alcohol brought into the Ann Arbor Art Center must be from a licensed caterer or employ a SafeServ Certified bartender if you provide your alcohol.
Can I bring my food and beverages to be served?
We do not allow clients to bring in their food or beverages. A licensed and insured caterer must provide all food; if you are serving alcohol, it must be done by a TIPS or ServSafe Certified bartender.
How many guests can the Art Center accommodate?
The guest capacity in each area of the Art Center is different based on set-up (seated vs. strolling event). The following are suggested guidelines to accommodate guests and protect our building comfortably:
- Studio 201: maximum of 50 guests
- Studio 301: maximum of 50 guests
- Studio 302: maximum of 20 guests
- (There is a maximum limit of 70 guests if the client opts to rent both Studios 301 and 302)
Will you hold a date for me?
We do not “hold” dates for individuals who inquire about a specific date at any time. To secure a date on the Art Center’s facility calendar, you must complete the contract sent to you by the facility manager, initialed and signed by the client, and return it with a 50% deposit based on the total facility rental fee at the time of booking. The remaining balance on the contract is due two weeks before the event.
What is the Art Center’s cancellation policy?
The 50% deposit is based on the full facility rental fee at the time of booking and is refundable up to 45 days before the use date. The client may cancel two weeks before the contracted date without incurring additional costs; however, the initial 50% facility rental deposit will not be refunded. The entire contracted total will be billed to the credit card on file at the time of booking if cancellation occurs less than two weeks before the facility rental date. Please be advised there is a non-refundable 10% service fee on all booked rentals that cancel 45 days before the event.
Can I have music at my event?
If a band, DJ, or device will play during the event, it is only permitted between 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm in keeping with the City of Ann Arbor noise ordinance.
Do you allow fundraising or other ticketed events to be held at the Art Center?
The Ann Arbor Art Center does not permit using its facilities for fundraising purposes or events requiring a paid entry ticket.
How do I reserve the space?
Please fill out our inquiry form on our website, and A2AC staff will contact you within 5-10 business days.
Are you interested in booking an Art Party for Youth & Teens or Team Building Event? Click below for more information!