Mission

Founded in 1985, Central School Project (CSP) is a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization with the three-fold mission of preserving and adapting the historic Central School building as a cultural center, fostering appreciation of the arts in the Bisbee community, and providing affordable work space to working artists.

What We Do

The affordable studio spaces in our facility creates a stability that is so important, as the cost of living continues to increase here in Bisbee. We provide workspace for 20 artist members and 4 guest members to support the process of creativity in a variety of artistic fields, including new forms (such as installation art) painting, printmaking, graphic arts, sculpture, and applied craft.

Our exhibitions, workshops, classes, film screenings and festivals are designed for multi-generational audiences and a diverse public and all of our events are affordable or free. We have 2 -3 annual open call shows, guest curated shows, an annual plein air painting festival, movies screenings, solo shows, pop up exhibitions, readings, theatrical and musical performances, life drawing sessions and art workshops.

We are committed to the children and students of Bisbee and run an annual youth arts festival.
CSP is also proud of its Visiting Artist Program which supplies artists with a studio, lodging and exhibition opportunity. The artists run workshops for adults and children while they are here with us.

Historic preservation, as stated in our mission, is an enormous responsibility. Over the 35 years of operation major preservation and improvements have included a new roof, exterior resurfacing, foundation work, drainage repair, and electrical and plumbing maintenance.
CSP is constantly striving to deepen and broaden its relationships with the community. Our community spaces are rented far below market rates for meetings workshops and symposiums.