Back in 1986, the Artists’ Alliance brought together painters, photographers, dancers, musicians and other creatives who wanted more room to experiment. So they made their own.

Their first big exhibition took over empty storefronts along Jefferson Street, turning quiet downtown spaces into galleries, performance spots and places to gather. Later, the group settled into the old Lafayette Hardware building, where the ideas got even bigger — installations, performances, exhibitions and plenty of creative risk-taking.

Now, 40 years later, Acadiana Center for the Arts is bringing that chapter of Lafayette history back into the spotlight.

Starting September 12, a new retrospective will feature archival material, original artwork and immersive displays connected to artists including Robert Dafford, Tina Girouard, Elemore Morgan Jr. and Francis X. Pavy.

It’s the kind of story that makes you look at downtown a little differently.

The galleries, murals, music and creative energy we enjoy now didn’t just appear. They were built over time by people willing to see potential in empty buildings and forgotten corners.

And on September 23, former Artists’ Alliance members will gather for a fireside chat at AcA to share what those early days were really like.

Consider it a little neighborhood history lesson...with better art.