Community Values

Below is a proposed Community Values Statement for Muncie Arts & Culture Council.
Please review and provide any feedback you may have. Thank you.

At the Muncie Arts and Culture Council, we believe the arts are for everyone.

We are committed to fostering a creative community where all people feel welcome to participate, contribute, and be heard. We recognize that a thriving arts ecosystem reflects the full richness of our community—across backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities.

We believe the arts play a unique role in bringing people together. Creative experiences can create space for connection across differences, helping people listen, share, and build understanding. In this way, the arts are not only a reflection of our community but also a bridge that strengthens it.

We work to:

  • Expand access to arts experiences for people of all ages, abilities, and economic circumstances

  •  Support artists and organizations in telling a wide range of stories

  • Create spaces where individuals feel respected, valued, and connected

  • Partner with community groups to reduce barriers to participation in the arts

  • We understand that strong communities are built when people have opportunities to share their voices and engage with one another. Through our programs and partnerships, we aim to ensure that arts and culture in Muncie remain open, welcoming, and meaningful to all.

As a result of this commitment, more people across Muncie will see themselves reflected in the arts, find clear ways to participate, and experience a deeper connection to our community.  

Our core values are:

Creativity

Creativity is part of Muncie’s identity. We celebrate and support the artists, makers, performers, and cultural organizations whose original work shapes the character and vitality of our city.

Belonging

The arts help people feel connected to where they live. We value the stories, traditions, and diverse voices that make Muncie unique and work to ensure the arts reflect and serve our whole community.

Access

Arts and culture belong to everyone. We work to remove barriers so that people across Muncie—regardless of background, neighborhood, or experience—can participate in and enjoy creative life.

Collaboration

Muncie’s creative strength comes from working together. We connect artists, creatives, makers, performers, scholars, writers, organizations, businesses, educators, civic partners, and supporters to build a stronger and more resilient cultural ecosystem.

Opportunity

Artists and creative entrepreneurs deserve the chance to thrive. We support initiatives individually and collectively that help people develop skills, build sustainable creative careers, experience arts and culture, and contribute to Muncie’s growing creative economy.

We value input from our community. Please share any feedback you would like us to consider in making this statement best reflect the needs and values of the MuncieArts community.