MISSION STATEMENT
The ART Mission is a not-for-profit downtown community art space supporting contemporary artists working in the visual arts. Our mission is to foster creativity and art excellence; provide exhibition space to new and established artists; provide programs and activities that encourage public awareness, participation, and appreciation of the visual arts and to serve as a catalyst for small city revitalization via the arts.
The ART Mission promotes its mission through:
§ Presenting sponsored exhibitions of new and established artists that are open free to the public;
§ Conducting community events, often through partnerships, to generate community participation in the arts;
§ Developing downtown architectural revitalization projects that utilize the visual arts to enhance the small city environment
ABOUT The ART MISSION
We are located in a 100-year old building that was once a railroad hotel, now home to our gallery, two theaters and 3 floors of loft apartments, in the heart of the urban revival called the Railroad District.
The Theaters: We provide the best in independent, culturally significant, experimental and foreign language films to our audience.
The Gallery: At the Art Mission has become the premier showplace for exceptional visual Artists from the area. We have new exhibitions in our gallery every month, and additional shows in partner gallery spaces. We show works done in new and traditional media. Recent shows have included painting, photography, sculpture, and installations.
For artists interested in showing at the ART Mission, we have an annual Member’s Show in december and an open call for slides in January. Before sending slides, please review our Gallery Policy.
In addition to our Gallery and Theaters, The ART Mission offers special arts-related events and programs. We are actively involved in efforts to enhance the quality of visual arts available to our community.
The ART Mission is a cornerstone of revitalizing our urban center through arts and community activities.
Our original gallery was located in an historic district in the heart of Downtown Binghamton, NY. The ART Mission building dated from the 1840’s, a landmark building in the National Historic Register. The building restoration was recognized with an award from the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier. At one time, the building was the home of the City Rescue Mission.
Our programs are supported in part by the United Cultural Fund of the Broome County Arts Council
We also depend on the support of our members and volunteers, and have many opportunities for anyone interested in getting involved!
The ART Mission is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.
Our History
Renovation of the historic City Rescue Mission at 128 Washington Street proved to be a positive force in the revitalization of downtown Binghamton. The ART Mission opened as a 501 (c) non-profit gallery on New Year’s Eve, 1998 with an exhibition in cooperation with First Night Binghamton. Working together with First Night and Gorgeous Washington Street Association, visual and related arts became increasingly recognized as an important component of the quality of life in a community; the ART Mission contributed to the overall strength of the area’s economy by making the region attractive to both industry and newresidents.
The ART Mission Board of Directors approved the merger of the Theater and Gallery in 2005. A duplex theater and movie house was planned for 61 Prospect Avenue, in the emerging Railroad District bordering State St. and Lewis St. The four story 1900’s historic property, formerly a railroad hotel and home of Gould Publishing among other businesses went through extensive renovations with volunteers and donations from businesses and the community. The gallery opened in February, 2007 followed by a May 2007 opening of the new duplex theater.
