Our Mission

Our Vision

Our mission is to inspire life-long enthusiasm and participation in the arts through best-in-class artistic offerings and educational programs. We strive to have a positive impact on our local communities by bringing attention to the importance of the arts, creating a destination for diverse voices, and by providing meaningful artistic opportunities.

The Rye Arts Center proudly celebrates the artistic expressions of diverse voices and their unique contributions. Promoting and cultivating a culture of inclusiveness and belonging is a cornerstone of our values and serves to elevate us all. Our guiding principles are founded on creating an environment where every community member feels valued, respected, and empowered through The Arts.

Our History

The Rye Arts Center began in 1960 with five Rye families, an unused barn, and just over four hundred dollars—but the story didn’t stop there. What followed was decades of growth fueled by creativity, resilience, and extraordinary community support. From makeshift classrooms to a fully realized, multidisciplinary arts campus, our history reveals how belief in the arts can transform spaces, bring people together, and shape a region’s cultural life. Learning where we started helps explain who we are today, and why the arts continue to thrive at the center of our community.

Our Expansion

The Rye Arts Center is entering a new chapter—one rooted in creativity, community, and greater possibility. We are planning a thoughtful expansion. The project includes a new building at 25 Milton Road, two acres of welcoming green space, and meaningful improvements to our home at 51 Milton Road.