Help us start the next 40 years.
Help the Center reach our goal and secure a solid future for contemporary artists in Abilene and our area! As we enter our 40th year we have been given the opportunity to DOUBLE your donation. The Dian Graves Owen Foundation has provided $20,000 in challenge funds to match your donation dollar for dollar up to $20,000. Can you help us reach that goal?
The mission of the Center for Contemporary Arts is to encourage, empower, and inspire artists, children, and the community through the arts.
The Center fulfills its mission through three main programs: Exhibitions, ArtReach (including art camps and free art outreach programs to promote healing and a creative outlet for persons who have experienced trauma including: military veterans with PTSD, incarcerated youth, refugee children, adults with intellectual disabilities, children in foster care, and more), and ArtWalk, a quarterly downtown arts festival.
The Center for Contemporary Arts was founded in 1989 with the support of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council to provide enriching and educational experiences for the region’s communities through the promotion and support of artists.
The Center has its roots in an artists' collective that was called The Artists League of Texas. The brainchild of international photographer Bill Wright and local arts supporter Lynn Barnett, the League began in 1984 and provided a place in Abilene where artists could work, commune, inspire and present their original works. Several of the original members of the League are still active Artist Members of The Center for Contemporary Arts.
Five years after it began, with a desire to expand their space and their influence, the group formed the not-for-profit corporation, The Center for Contemporary Arts. About the same time, a local native who had made it big in the New York art world came back home. Artist Clint Hamilton's unique style and experience in the world of pop art brought an energy and excitement that was infectious. Clint’s art and style were something of a phenomenon here in Abilene and brought attention to the Center that helped it expand its influence.
In 1993, the Board of Trustees renovated an historic building located in the downtown cultural district into classrooms, artist’s studios, and created 4,653 square feet of gallery space. In 2002 additional renovations provided improved traffic flow, more visually stimulating galleries and ADA compliance.
WATCH TO SEE HOW WE HAVE GROWN: