Kehrein Center for the Arts

The Kehrein Center for the Arts is a performance venue and community arts centre in Chicago's Austin neighbourhood. Its restored auditorium provides a substantial setting for concerts, theatre, dance, spoken-word performances, ceremonies and other productions. The main theatre seats around 850 people, making it suitable for organisers looking for a large audience space on Chicago's West Side.

The venue also welcomes a varied programme of civic, cultural, educational, private and corporate events. Organisers can submit a rental enquiry for spaces including the auditorium and lobby, the Obama Room, a multipurpose room, a dressing room and the cafeteria. The rental form allows clients to outline attendance, event timings, rehearsal or load-in needs, accessibility requirements and technical arrangements. Equipment and support requests can include microphones and speakers, projection, an audiovisual technician, Wi-Fi, furniture, a piano, a podium and risers, subject to confirmation with the venue.

Beyond event hire, the centre presents arts programming and supports local creative expression, with a particular connection to the Austin community and young performers. Its story is rooted in the restoration of a former school auditorium, which has been developed into a theatre, gallery and gathering place. This combination of a large performance space and smaller rooms makes the venue relevant to event planners arranging public performances, school ceremonies, workshops, community forums, cultural celebrations and organisational gatherings. Event organisers can contact the centre through its rental application to discuss their event and space requirements.