305 N 5th Street, Norfolk NE 68701 info@norfolkartscenter.org 402.371.7199

Mission Vision Values

Mission Statement

“Bringing people and the arts together.”

Vision 

At the Norfolk Arts Center, we envision a community in which everyonewhatever their age,  ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic statushas access to the knowledge, inspiration, comfort, enrichment, and cultural complexity that the arts bring to a communityAs the regional collaboration point and educational hub for arts in northeast Nebraska, we will be a leading force in nurturing art in all its forms to the people, organizations, and businesses of this area, both as a presenter of arts and as an inspiration for arts to flourish in our community. 

Values 

  • We believe that the lives of all people and the quality of life in the communities in which they live are enhanced by the presence of the arts. 
  • We believe that partnership with other organizations is critical to the sustainability and enhancement of arts and cultural experiences in our community. 
  • We believe that all people, businesses and organizations deserve access to arts and cultural experiences in their lives and the benefits that they provide. 
  • We believe that the presence of the arts in our community is a powerful economic development asset to recruit and retain community members and visitors. 

 

History of Norfolk Arts Center 

In the late 1970’s, the local Arts Council disbanded.  Several members of the council were still interested in promoting the arts and chose to work with the Northeast Nebraska Art Association to develop a community arts center.  The Norfolk City Council agreed to sell the old Carnegie Library to the council for $1 in 1978 and provided initial budget support.  Donations of materials and monies, combined with over 1000 hours of volunteer work, transformed the old library into a new community arts facility. 

Diane Bridge, past president of the Norfolk Arts Council, and Dale Masters, president of the Northeast Nebraska Art Association, formed an 8 member Board of Directors and hired an administrator.  The doors were opened following a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 17, 1978.  Over 500 people attended the grand opening. 

While continuing its mission of bringing quality arts entertainment and educational programs to Northeast Nebraska continued growth, adequate space and handicap accessibility became a major priority. Because of these concerns, the Board of Directors embarked on the search for a new location and began developing plans for a new facility 

The Norfolk City Council agreed to sell the site of a former city park to the Norfolk Arts Center’s Board of Directors and plans were finally approved for a new Arts Center, which would provide a climate controlled environment, handicap accessibility options, and adequate security. The new Norfolk Arts Center was dedicated on June 2, 2000 following a successful fund drive and building campaign.  

Since 1978, the Norfolk Arts Center has brought quality arts entertainment and education to Northeast Nebraska.  The Norfolk Arts Center has evolved into an organization that is responsive to the ever-changing and diverse population of Northeast Nebraska. It currently presents visual arts exhibitions, offers youth and adult educational opportunities, hosts performing artist events, and continues to be a communication hub for all arts activities in northeast Nebraska.  The Norfolk Arts Center is a community driven cultural center that strives to promote an environment where the arts are allowed to thrive. The Norfolk Arts Center board of directors and staff believe that our efforts can play an important role in the economic and cultural development of our community and all of Northeast Nebraska. 

The Norfolk Arts Center is governed by a Board of Directors and includes a staff of full-time, part-time and contractual employees.