The Dunbar Pavilion

- 325 W 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85705

For residents across Southern Arizona, finding a community center that is both a vibrant, active hub for modern services and a deeply significant historical landmark is a rare treasure. The Dunbar Pavilion: An African American Arts & Cultural Center in Tucson embodies this unique blend. Originally established in the early 20th century as the segregated Dunbar School, this building has been purposefully transformed into a beacon for social, cultural, and economic enlightenment. Its mission is to honor the past, celebrate today, and actively shape the future of the African-American community and the wider Tucson region.

The facility serves as an essential nexus, housing organizations and programs that foster growth in education, arts, social justice, health, and economic well-being. By converting a site of historical segregation into a powerhouse of community empowerment, the Dunbar Pavilion stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, creativity, and unity for all of Arizona. It is a place where youth are empowered through engaging activities, culture is celebrated through dynamic arts programs, and individuals are provided the tools for personal and professional development. Even amid ongoing revitalization and remodeling efforts, which have been noted by some visitors, the core spirit of positive action and community uplift remains central to its operation.

The Dunbar Pavilion is conveniently situated near Downtown Tucson, making it an accessible and central location for community members across the city and Pima County. Its historical roots are tied to the Dunbar Historic District, giving its location an added layer of significance within the Arizona landscape.

The specific address for The Dunbar Pavilion is: 325 W 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85705, USA.

The building's location on West 2nd Street places it within a vibrant, yet historically resonant, neighborhood. The accessibility of the facility is a key component of its commitment to serving the entire community. The building has ensured that physical barriers do not restrict participation, which is a vital consideration for any public-facing Arizona institution.

Key accessibility features available at the facility include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access into the historic building.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, providing convenient and designated parking spaces for visitors with mobility needs.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom, offering necessary facilities that meet modern standards.

In addition to these essential features, the facility provides general Restrooms and is a central point for community gathering, often hosting large events that draw attendees from all over the metropolitan area. While ample parking is generally available, visitors should be mindful of shared parking arrangements with nearby facilities, especially during large community events.

As a multifaceted arts organization, cultural center, and community center, The Dunbar Pavilion hosts a diverse array of programs and organizations designed to meet the holistic needs of the Tucson community. These services are delivered through a combination of in-house initiatives and partnerships with tenant organizations.

The diverse services and programs include:

• Educational & Charter School Programs: Hosting institutions such as the IDEA Charter School, which focuses on child-centered education, and providing ongoing adult education classes on topics like financial literacy, homeownership, and social justice.
• Professional and Trade Skill Training: Serving as the home for the Dunbar Barber Academy, which offers job-readiness and business skills training, and hosting phlebotomy training courses.
• Arts and Movement Classes: Offering diverse programs through tenant organizations like the Barbea Williams Dance Academy Company and other groups providing dance classes (including hip hop and line dancing), karate, and visual arts workshops.
• Technology and Digital Literacy: Operating the Dunbar Tech Lab, a state-of-the-art hub featuring high-speed broadband internet, available laptops, 3D printing stations, podcasting equipment, and immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experiences for the community.
• Economic Empowerment Support: Housing a Business Empowerment Center which offers office-sharing, networking, and resources specifically aimed at supporting small Black-owned businesses, solopreneurs, and intrapreneurs in Southern Arizona.
• Health and Wellness Initiatives: Providing a Commercial Kitchen which is used to prepare nutritional meals for the community and managing a Community Garden that incorporates health and environmental education.
• Community Outreach and Financial Assistance: Partnering with organizations like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to offer free tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income families.
• Cultural Events and Film Screenings: Regularly hosting events such as the Heritage and Harmony Holiday Market, poetry readings, lectures, and movie screenings via the Tucson Black Film Club.

The features and highlights of The Dunbar Pavilion extend far beyond the programs it hosts, rooted in its profound historical significance and its contemporary commitment to innovation and community growth in Arizona.

Key highlights that make this center a standout choice include:

• Dual Role as a Historical Landmark and Active Center: The building is the former Dunbar School, Tucson's first and only segregated school for African American children, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving visitors a tangible connection to Arizona's Civil Rights history.
• Lander Auditorium: A versatile and historic venue named in honor of Cressworth C. Lander, which serves as a host for performances, lectures, and major community events aligned with the center's mission.
• Technology for the Future: The integration of the Dunbar Tech Lab, featuring 3D printing, VR, and high-speed internet access, positions the center as a forward-thinking resource, empowering residents with modern digital literacy skills.
• Economic Development Focus: The dedicated Business Empowerment Center directly addresses the need for supportive infrastructure for Black-owned enterprises, fostering economic well-being and stability in the local community.
• Strong Emphasis on Youth Empowerment: Through programs like karate, dance classes, and youth mentorship, the Pavilion is actively working to enhance the community by empowering the next generation, a feature highly praised by local reviewers.
• Comprehensive Community-Focused Approach: The blend of arts, education, professional training (Barber Academy), and social services (VITA Tax Prep) makes it a true one-stop-shop for personal and community advancement.

The staff at The Dunbar Pavilion are dedicated to supporting the Tucson community. Interested Arizona residents are encouraged to reach out for more details on specific programs, event schedules, or space rental opportunities.

Address: 325 W 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85705, USA

Phone: (520) 791-7795

Mobile Phone: +1 520-791-7795

For Arizona families and individuals in the Tucson area, choosing to engage with The Dunbar Pavilion is about much more than simply utilizing a community center. It is an act of supporting a living piece of African American history and a driving force for positive change. The center’s dual identity as a Historical Landmark and a modern Arts organization provides a uniquely enriching experience. While some remodeling work may occasionally be underway—a necessary process for preserving the historic structure—the result is a continuously improved space that is poised for decades more of service.

The Dunbar Pavilion is worth choosing because it offers tangible empowerment. Whether you are a youth looking to learn self-discipline through karate or dance, an adult seeking financial stability via the free VITA tax services or homeownership workshops, or a budding entrepreneur needing support from the Business Empowerment Center, the resources are targeted and impactful. It is a place that celebrates culture and actively works to reverse historical inequities by providing modern, high-value programs. In a state that values history and community connection, The Dunbar Pavilion is a vital, forward-looking institution that deserves the attention and participation of all Southern Arizona residents.

The Dunbar Pavilion

325 W 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85705, USA