Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center Programs

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center Programs include specific activities such as a Poetry Masterclass and a musical adaptation of Purlie. The programs also offer art classes in painting, drawing, and manga and anime, as well as the Mosaic Steel Orchestra and SOAR: Digital Arts & Crafts.

• Schedule: Business hours are Monday–Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Price: The program offers affordable and competitive rates with discounts for residents of the city of Newport News.

The mission of the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center is to provide high quality cultural arts activities that will encourage innovation and partnerships among community and regional organizations, inspire the development of arts and life skills education, and provide opportunities for performing and visual arts presentations. The mission also includes fostering creative and diverse programming, being fiscally responsible, and providing a venue that cherishes the city’s youth and is inviting to all, thereby enhancing the quality of life in the community and throughout the entire city. The center’s community involvement includes encouraging innovation and partnerships among community and regional organizations.

Last updated January 20, 2026.