Brief Description
On November 5, 2015, the Ali opened as a cultural facility dedicated to the celebration of the history and culture of the African American community in the City of Pompano Beach, and as a venue focusing on the incubation of performing arts organizations. The Ali provides local access to cultural activities such as dance, music, and the spoken word including poetry, storytelling, and theater.
Among the many events hosted by the Ali including an open mic night program entitled “Ali Slam N’ Jam,” the monthly “Soulful Sundays & Brunch After Dark,” and “Create, Chew & Chat.” Additionally, the Ali has hosted quarterly visual arts exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, a ballet presentation entitled “Brown Ballerina,” and a performance by Matthew Whitaker, a 14-year old blind protégé keyboardist – the youngest artists ever endorsed by Hammond Organ in its 81-year history. The Ali also maintains ongoing community outreach and frequently hosts the Blanche Ely High School percussion band and dance team.
Artists in residence, Ashanti Cultural Arts and other arts organizations, provide weekly classes for children ages 6 and up. Our partnerships, interactive activities, cultural arts programming, and presence in the community have made the Ali Cultural Arts an innovative cultural hub.
City / CRA Investment
- $2.5 million
Public Benefits
- Access to a state of the art historic cultural facility and programming
- Exposure to performing and cultural arts
- A low cost venue for entertainment and community gatherings
- An African American historical museum
How it Happened
- After years of sitting vacant, the CRA assisted the City in acquiring the treasured Ali building. The goal was to transform the building into a cultural facility to bolster the presence of culture in the City, but also retain and represent the northwest community heritage and its history.
- After over a year in court, the CRA successfully obtained title to the property.
- After multiple community meetings, the uses within the building were defined and renovation of the space began.
- Staff was hired to manage the center.
