Our Work & Priorities

We believe the cultural arts are for everyone to discover and enjoy—bringing people and communities together. For more than 30 years, we have been committed to helping creative talent grow and creating opportunities for those we serve to experience the arts, with a focus on serving communities across Southern Illinois.

As a nonprofit, we focus on two main priorities: supporting independent creatives and bringing the cultural arts to more people in our communities. We provide grant funding, host exhibitions in our dedicated venues, fund public art, and provide direct support to creatives, including opportunities for them to showcase and sell their work. We also support arts-focused events and programming in towns large and small and underserved communities across Southern Illinois—celebrating local identity, encouraging creative expression, and removing barriers to ensure the arts are open, welcoming, and available for everyone to experience and be a part of.

Black and white photo showing a group of people seated around a table, with a person in the center facing away. The background features three wall-mounted art pieces with glowing circles and light rays.

Our 10-Year Goal

Establish a robust Artspace Southern Illinois that celebrates the region’s diverse arts and culture, fostering community unity and economic growth.

A black and white photo of people attending a conference or meeting, with a man in the center listening attentively.

Key Strategies

Invigorate: Raise awareness to inspire and engage new audiences

Invest: Spark innovative and transformative work

Cultivate: Support emerging artists and organizations

Connect: Build connections across the region

Hands sketching a portrait with pastel chalks on paper, with printed documents and crumpled paper on the table.

Supporting Creatives

  • Grant & project funding, exhibition and selling opportunities, and public art commissions

  • Services & resources, trainings & information sessions, and support that removes barriers to participation

  • Showcasing both independent creatives and renowned creators across a wide-range of art forms

  • Art & youth programming and creative opportunities

Two young girls painting on a large canvas outdoors, one is holding a paper cup and the other is using a paintbrush, with a blurred person standing in the background.

Bringing Art to Our Communities

  • Hosting a variety of events & exhibits at our cultural arts venues, shared community spaces, pop-ups, and more

  • Showcasing murals, exhibitions, performances, and arts programs in local communities throughout the year

  • Partnerships with schools, municipalities, local organizations, and community members to go beyond our core programs and services