Mission

ArtSpring is a steward of Tucker County Arts. We support learning, emerging, and established artists across the spectrum of contemporary and traditional creative arts. We offer resources to artists, engage the community in the arts,  act as a gateway and promote Tucker County as an arts destination.

Vision

Tucker County is a nationally recognized model of a progressive rural arts community and is a highly attractive destination for artists, arts patrons and visitors. Artists thrive with affordable housing and studio space, abundant resources, and a vibrant, collaborative culture that supports artists at all levels. World class galleries, exhibition spaces, performance venues and community event space provide ample public exposure for local and visiting artists. Strong programs for visiting artists and residencies encourage collaboration and broaden perspectives. The local community enjoys and supports the arts in public life and at all levels of education. The arts contribute significantly to the local economy; businesses and government reciprocate with robust infrastructure and developmental support for artists and art businesses. 

ArtSpring is considered a vital coordinating body for Tucker County arts. We network regionally to   strengthen and diversify our ability to serve. Our professional staff, interns and volunteers operate in a dedicated community art space. We produce the annual ArtSpring Festival and other arts events throughout the year while showcasing the creative community to boost arts tourism and sales. For the general public, we work with schools, organizations, businesses, and governments to promote life-long arts education and to advocate for the sustainability of the arts in public life.  

For the arts community, we:

• advocate for affordable housing and studio space

• identify and present learning and career development opportunities

• assist in finding and obtaining grants

• support small business development and management

• cultivate business relationships for the advancement of the arts

• develop publicity and marketing campaigns that connect residents, second home-owners and visitors with local artists, galleries, performance venues, and arts presenters

• support the presentation of non-commercial and student artists, and ensure inclusive opportunities in a variety of venues

Values

ArtSpring is a non-profit collective of local artists and arts appreciators who believe in promoting, presenting and supporting the arts in Tucker County. We believe in advocating for the Tucker County Arts community regionally and nationally. We believe in supporting the small businesses created by our working artists by helping them achieve personal, financial and professional successes through the work of our organization and our partnerships.

We know that creativity is essential to the well-being of all humans, and that the arts are essential to develop healthy communities and societies. We believe that art is a cornerstone of our societies, and that participation in the arts is invaluable to a well-rounded education. We wish to support our youth to be participants in, ambassadors for and innovators of our culture. Furthermore, we believe that engagement in the arts enhances quality of life, and by sharing the strength of our arts community we encourage all community members to participate in the arts to make Tucker County an inspiring place to live and work.

ArtSpring is committed to operate in a creative and professional manner, focused on cultivating and supporting artists, arts organizations and arts-related businesses. We aim to be transparent in our communication and innovative in how we fulfill our mission. 

We wish to foster and maintain close relationships with our local artists, the arts community, local businesses and our citizenry in order to support their success within the framework of our mission. We want to make decisions in a collaborative fashion, considering the effects of our actions and involving our stakeholders wherever possible. We value our resources, both financial (grants, donations & earned income) and personnel (board, volunteers and staff) and use both in a responsible and effective manner. 

ArtSpring understands the value of a richly diverse community and our resources strive to amplify the diverse voices of Tucker County. We do not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, marital status, military status, or educational level. We communicate in an open, respectful manner.  In our interactions, we attribute positive motivations to our fellow ArtSpring staff and board members.