The arts remain a vital part of Midland’s community. Whether it’s performing arts, visual arts, or literary arts, numerous groups and venues are available locally. One of Midland’s leading arts centers is Creative 360.

Creative 360 has been a part of the community for 30 years. Over the years, the nonprofit arts center has hosted a variety of original programs, local guilds and art groups, live performances, exhibits, and more.

“We want to be the space that the community feels comfortable coming into and doing what they like,” said Laura Brigham, theater events coordinator for Creative 360.

In 2024, Creative 360 settled into its new location at the former Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church on Jefferson Avenue after moving from its Bayliss Street location in September 2023. The arts center has made use of the new location’s space by expanding its programming, hosting multiple events simultaneously, and providing a greater capacity for patrons.

For example, during the opening of the Animals in Art exhibit on Jan. 10, Brigham noted that 175 people attended. The arts center’s previous location had a maximum capacity of about 85.

Brigham believes the organization’s new, central location has made it more visible and has drawn more people to the arts center

“We were there for over 20 years, and a lot of people didn’t know we were there,” she said. “I think being here has allowed more people to see that we are here, and more things have come out of the woodwork because there’s already a really big arts community here.”

In 2024, Creative 360 introduced a variety of new events, such as Prom Day x2 in May, Performance in the Park in September, and the Bridgerton Regency Ball in November.

The arts center continues to add comedy events to its schedule, including the annual Dad Joke Show, parody shows, and Improv360. Brigham believes people need a laugh now more than ever and follows a simple process when determining what to bring in next.

“The show has to hit one of three marks for me,” Brigham said. “It has to be funny, have a message of hope, or start a conversation. So if we ever do something that’s a bit more edgy, it’s because it will start a conversation.”

In 2025, Creative 360 looks forward to hosting its Broadway Flights on Feb. 7 and 8. This year, it will add a new Youth Broadway Flight featuring performers ages 10-17, with shows from Feb. 13-15. Also new this year will be a Dinner Theater in March, featuring the play Sylvia by A.R. Gurney.

“There’s more we’re really excited about that we’re not ready to announce just yet,” Brigham added.

Max Milne covers community news as community editor at the Midland Daily News. Email him at [email protected].