About The Prairie Arts Council
Promoting the Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts.
“Promoting the Visual, Literary and Performing Arts” is the mission of the Prairie Arts Council and concisely explains our inclusive mission to share opportunities with everyone in the greater Jasper and Newton county region.
People Connected: An environment of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The Prairie Arts Council is dedicated to cultivating a diverse group of members, respecting all individuals equally, and taking differences to heart. We welcome all members without regard to their religion, race, color, gender, gender identity and expression, pronouns, educational background, sexual orientation, genetics, language spoken, disability, age, national origin, and immigration or veteran status. We aspire to build a welcoming community of togetherness as we celebrate individual differences.
The Prairie Arts Council has four primary goals:
To provide opportunities for people in Jasper and Newton Counties to engage with the art in our Lilian Fendig Gallery and other area venues through a variety of programs.
To provide opportunities for area artists to exhibit or perform their arts.
To provide opportunities for instruction in the arts and to help enrich art education.
To create community engagement and opportunities for the community to experience and create art.
The Prairie Arts Council is a not-for-profit corporation and membership organization of over 200 members. The organization relies heavily on membership, corporate sponsorship, fund-raising events, contributions, endowments, and grants from organizations like the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts; through a regional partnership with the The Arts Federation of Lafayette.
The Carnegie Building, A Community Center
The Prairie Arts Council was formed in 1992 when the newly named Carnegie Center became available as our home location. The building was opened in 1905 as the Rensselaer Public Library funded with $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie.
In 1992 the county library was moved to its new location and the Carnegie building was deeded to Indiana Landmarks to be managed by the Jasper Foundation. The original occupants were the Jasper Foundation, Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce, and the Prairie Arts Council.
The building was later deeded to the Jasper Foundation. They continue to manage the building and occupy the lower level with it offices and meeting rooms. The Prairie Arts Council occupies the upper levels including our main office and the Lilian Fendig Gallery. Exhibitions are presented year round showcasing art work by individuals of all ages and abilities.