Our Story
Our Mission
Lowell Arts connects artists and brings audiences together through visual and performing arts.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a leading regional hub for the arts, supporting artists while serving as a welcoming destination for audiences to gather and engage in the arts.
Lowell Arts has been serving the West Michigan community since its inception in 1977.
Lowell Arts plays a crucial role in the West Michigan community by bringing together artists and audiences through visual and performing arts. For more than 45 years, Lowell Arts has been supporting and promoting artists through exhibitions, performances, and events. It remains a lively and welcoming organization that serves as a catalyst for local economic development and provides valuable art experiences for the community.
1976 – 1978
Lowell Arts was founded on the passion of community volunteers and the funds raised during a visit from Artrain USA to Lowell in November 1976. Initially named the Lowell Area Arts Council, it was established as a non-profit organization in 1977. Its early projects encompassed community beautification, gallery exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, and theatrical productions. In September 1978, Lowell Arts assumed management of the Fallasburg Fall Festival for the Arts, a two-day outdoor event initiated by the Lowell Historical Society in 1968.
1977 – 2016
The organization was located on Hudson Street between 1977 and 2016, thanks to the King Milling Company and King Doyle's generosity. The space, which was situated in one of King Milling's buildings, included a 1000 sq. foot gallery, a classroom, and office space.
2015 – 2024
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In April 2015, Lowell Arts purchased two adjoining buildings on the corner of Main and Broadway and launched a $1.25 million "Moving to Main" capital campaign to renovate the space. In November 2016, the organization moved to its current location on 223 W Main Street, which offers ample parking, visibility, and is located in the Downtown Lowell Historic District. The facility has 4,700 sq. feet of programming space, twice the gallery space, a flexible performance space, a larger classroom, and an upstairs rehearsal space.
Who We Are
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Lowell Arts engages visual artists and performers of all skill levels by providing opportunities to exhibit or perform, to earn income through their craft, and to advance personal artistic growth through resources and education.
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We engage the public by providing access to art exhibits, events, performances, and educational opportunities that help individuals learn new skills, discover different forms of artistic expression, and experience art by participating in or learning from the creative process.
What We Value
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We prioritize three foundational principles: Quality, Connection, and Inclusivity. These values propel us to maintain professional standards in presenting the arts, advocate for artists and diverse audiences, and cultivate collaboration and diversity. They are central to our mission of elevating the significance of art in our community and enriching lives through creative expression.