Arts & Science Center

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, founded in 1968 and commissioned by the City of Pine Bluff in 1971, is operated for the benefit of all citizens of Southeast Arkansas. The mission of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is to enhance the quality of life for all people through education, imagination, curiosity, wonder and the enjoyment of the arts and sciences.

To that end, the Center operates a 22,000 square-foot facility built to AAM accreditation standards that includes four galleries, a 232-seat theatre, classroom space, administrative offices, vault and adequate preparatory and conservation space for the Center’s current programming efforts.

Current programming consists of: collections and exhibitions; performing arts; education; hands-on kids science exhibits, special events and fundraising.

The present focus of the Center’s permanent collection addresses the Center’s regional constituency and places emphasis upon collecting works by African-American artists, Arkansas artists, and artists living and working in the southern region of the United States.

The current strategic plan for exhibitions places an emphasis on: A visitor friendly environment; multiculturalism; the curricula of area schools; hands-on experiences for young people; inter-relatedness of arts and sciences; and the Center’s permanent art collection.