Arts Center at Dunham

Did you know that the Arts Center at Dunham is one of three remaining buildings of the Dunham Hospital complex - the first municipally owned tuberculosis sanitorium in the United States - dating back to 1879?

The Arts Center at Dunham is a splendid example of art deco architecture, designed by Samuel Hannaford and sons as the arts and recreation center for patients of the former Dunham Hospital. When you visit, be sure to notice not only the large auditorium, but the terrazzo floors, bronze entryway, art deco fixtures, and lower level classrooms. The hannaford firm designed several other historical buildings in Cincinnati, including Memorial Hall, Music Hall and City Hall.

Sunset Players, the resident theatre group of 35 years, signed a 25-year lease with the City of Cincinnati for the Dunham Arts Building at the Dunham Recreation Complex in July 2012, saving it from probable demolition. Sunset Players and the Arts Center at Dunham organization have assumed responsibilities for utilities, repairs, renovation, and restoration of the facility.

The Arts Center at Dunham

is in Need of a Renovation

The Arts Center at Dunham is facing a minimum $150,000 expense to complete the repair and restoration of the building facade, in addition to approximately $100,000 to complete Phase Two of the upgrade and replacement of the aging HVAC system. We are also facing a significant cost to make the building handicap-friendly, and many other items that bring the immediate funding need to a current estimate of $750,000.

The Sunset Players are spearheading the project, but working with them are members of the Price Hill Will Arts CAT, the Price Hill Civic Club, the Price Hill Historical Society, and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission. The "renovation" team, which is 100% volunteer, does as much as possible through volunteer hours in order to keep expenses low. As of December 31, 2018, over 20,000 volunteer hours have been logged, and we are rapidly approaching 25,000 hours.

Our Partners:​

Ways to help or get involved at the Arts Center at Dunham

The greater the support shown by local businesses and residents, the better our chances of securing funding from other sources, such as special arts and community grants! As we work to secure grants and raise funds, we ask you to consider supporting our efforts, either financially or with a little "elbow grease!"

Participate in our various fundraising activities (see the calendar on our Home page)

Provide a tax-deductible contribution

Be a part of our renovation team by:

Emailing us at sunset_players@yahoo.com

Calling us at 513-588-4988

No donation, contribution or volunteer effort is too small! Every little bit helps us get a step closer to reaching our goal to restore and renovate this historic West Side gem so it can be enjoyed by the Greater Cincinnati Community for years to come!

Upcoming Plays Spotlight

sunset-play-the-musical-of-musicals
The Musical of Musicals (the Musical!)

In this hilarious satire of musical theater, one story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim.

sunset-play-charlottes-web
Charlotte's
Web

The Children's Literature Association named this "the best American children's book of the past two hundred years," and Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of E.B. White, has created a play that captures the...

sunset-play-the-outsider
The
Outsider

Ned Newley doesn't even want to be governor. He's terrified of public speaking. His poll numbers are impressively bad. To his ever-supportive Chief of Staff, Ned seems destined to fail....

sunset-play-southern-fried-nuptuals
Southern Fried Nuptuals

Harlene Frye is marrying Attie Van Leer ... assuming the Frye family can make it through the week without losing their minds. Not only does Harlene have cold feet, but her ex-flame has returned, and she's got...

Get In Touch With Us...

Questions or Comments/ We want to hear from you.

For Further Inquiries Call

+1-513-588-4988

Looking for performance tickets or information about getting involved with the Sunset Players? We're available by phone or fill out the form below and we'll reach back out to you shortly. 

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Learn more about upcoming events or even getting involved with our crew.

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