OUR MISSION
The Arts Center inspires creativity and contributes to community well-being through equitable access to and engagement with the visual arts. We collaborate to offer exhibitions, learning opportunities, artist development, and cultural events centered on art, artists and art enthusiasts in the greater Corvallis area.
LOCATION
The Arts Center is conveniently located in downtown Corvallis close to many dining options and within a 10-minute walk to the Oregon State campus and the Willamette River: 700 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon 97333
Our Galleries and ArtShop are open Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 5 PM. Admission is FREE and open to all and donations are gladly accepted.
On weekdays, we can be reached by a number of the Free Corvallis Transit Service (CTS) buses arriving at the Downtown Transit Center, located two blocks away at 6th and Monroe Streets.
Two-hour parking is available on the west side of the building (accessed by turning east from 8th Street onto Madison Ave), and on the east side of the building on 7th Street (these spaces are accessed by turning west from 6th Street onto Madison Ave).
Ramp access for those using mobility equipment is available at the building’s rear (South) entrance. NOTE: it was built before ADA standards, please ring the doorbell for assistance.
Commitment to Justice, Equity & Transparency
A grassroots, innovative effort by artists, civic leaders, and university art departments in the 1960s led to the establishment of the Corvallis Arts Council, the state’s first community arts organization and the 27th in the United States. In 2008, we changed our name to The Arts Center to become inclusive of all people and groups seeking connection with the arts. We believe art is a welcoming portal for cross-cultural participation to connect people and create community.
Toward a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive arts organization, The Arts Center embarked on an organization-wide process of learning and change in 2020. The Arts Center is committed to being an equity-centered organization, and actively integrates justice, equity, and transparency into every aspect of our work. We welcome like-minded individuals to join our team and help us shape a better future for our organization and the communities we serve.
Systems Changes To-Date:
- Mission review and revisions to place equity at the forefront
- Board, staff, volunteer position descriptions, and search/selection processes revised
- Instituted OPEN Calls to Artists and for Leadership and Volunteer positions with transparent criteria processes
- MOUs for collaborative co-creation of projects/programs with community partners
- Bylaws and Policy Review and Revisions
- Approved Diversity Initiative with program, marketing and development SMART goals to expand equitable access to the arts.
In 2023, our 60th Birthday “Expressions of Community” Year celebrated community creativity that drives our city and region.
Read more: 2023 Mid-Year Impact Report
The Unfolding of an Idea, a Brief History of The Arts Center as shared by founding member, Marion Gathercoal.
Memberships, donations, and volunteers make all of this possible!
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