Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide experiences and opportunities which ignite an appreciation, participation, and enjoyment of the arts. We will continue to be a catalyst for diverse and inclusive programming that contributes to the economic vitality of Jasper and the surrounding community.

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESS

Jasper Community Arts is committed to working with artists and other individuals and organizations to cultivate a community that serves, celebrates, and values every resident of Jasper. We envision a city where engagement in the arts is not pre-determined by socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. We believe a successful community is one in which:

• All artists, creative workers, audiences, and students have full access to the diverse set of arts resources in our community and in which their varied histories, voices, and lived experiences are respected.

• Equitable access to arts programming and opportunities is standard practice and not an exception.

• Programming unites organizations, artists, and audiences with diverse backgrounds so that every resident feels as though they belong.

HISTORY
Founded on May 12, 1975 as part of the City of Jasper, the Jasper Community Arts Commission became the only arts commission in the state to be officially recognized as a department of the city and under the authority of the city council. Its mission is to stimulate and encourage an appreciation of and participation in the arts by citizens of all ages in Jasper and the nearby area, and to foster an environment conducive to the enjoyment of the arts. JCA is responsible for the management of the Jasper Arts Center and the Atrium and Arts Wing of the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center.

The Jasper Community Arts Commission consists of 11 government-appointed members. Four members of the Commission are appointed by the Mayor, five by the Jasper City Council, one by the Jasper Parks and Recreation Board and one by the Greater Jasper Consolidated School Board.

Jasper Community Arts  employs a staff to oversee its day-to-day operations and programs. The staff numbers have grown from the original two employees to five full-time and five part-time employees.

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