Institute of Musical Arts 2.77

The Institute of Musical Arts (IMA) was founded in 1922, as a music training facility, and became the Crenshaw area's primary performing recital hall during the 1940s-60s. In the 1970s, musician-engineer partners, Ray G. Clark and Oliver P. Brown constructed a state-of-the-art recording studio, CBA (Clark-Brown Audio) on the premises.

During the 1970s-80s, the studio played host to a Who's Who listing of musicians, artists, actors, politicians and local activists. Its long list of recording alumni include, Marvin Gaye, Bobby Womack, Nancy Wilson, Ernie Watts, Billy Davis, Ndugu Chancler, and Patrice Rushen.

In 1988, the City of Los Angeles bestowed upon IMA and CBA "Historical-Cultural Monument" status, and it continued, through the 1990s, it's tradition of providing progressive programs that benefit and influence the surrounding Greater-Crenshaw community.

IMA underwent a complete renovation in 2010 and it is now the home of:
The Ray G. Clark Theater, a live-performance venue.

Spoken Word Studios, a state-of-the-art digital recording studio specializing in spoken word performances, radio remotes, podcasts, and audio books.

"Doña Barbara's Tea and Tapas", a private event space hosting fully catered afternoon teas, (by reservation only).
Professional offices and meeting rooms.