The Sioux City Art Center
The Sioux City Art Center is a model public/private partnership between the City of Sioux City and the Art Center Association of Sioux City, with each contributing approximately one-half of the Art Center's annual operating budget. The Art Center, through its non-profit fundraising arm, leverages a dollar in private donations for each tax dollar it receives. Without this model partnership, the Sioux City Art Center could not achieve the quality programs and services that it provides our community and region.
While the City of Sioux City supports basic needs, such as most salaries, maintenance of the building, and some administrative costs, the Art Center Association supports all programs, as well as some staff salaries. It is because of the Association’s support and the funds raised by community volunteers that the Art Center is able to offer a dynamic schedule of programs. The Association looks toward the future through its endowment funds which will support future programs and acquisitions. Its board of directors assumes collective responsibility for long-range planning, fund-raising, volunteer support, and contributions to the financial well being of the Art Center.
MISSION
The Sioux City Art Center's mission is to enrich our region's quality of life by bringing the excitement of the visual arts to our community through education, exhibitions and permanent collection.
VISION
The Art Center will continue to serve as and enhance its position as a premier cultural attraction for the citizens of the Sioux City metro area.
The Art Center will use its permanent collection to position itself as a major regional educational resource for educators, students, and the general public.
The Art Center will promote itself as a cultural tourist destination based on its reputation as presenting major traveling exhibitions, and a quality permanent collection featuring the best regional artists.
The Art Center will increase access to education and in turn the Art Cneter's permanent collection, by expanding the present facility with a new Learning Center.
VALUE
The Sioux City Art Center will provide visitors with an accessible and meaningful appreciation of the visual art by embracing education as fundamental to its programs.
The Art Center Association of Sioux City was first incorporated in 1914 as the Sioux City Society of Fine Arts by John C. Kelly, John McHugh, W.P. Manley, T.A. Black, Alice K. Lawler and Cora E. Henderson. From its inception to the opening of the Sioux City Art Center in 1938, the Society sponsored art classes and exhibitions. Classes were held in various community buildings, as well as in Grandview Park during the summer months. Exhibitions were displayed at the Sioux City Public Library and the Woodbury County Court House.