Mission Statement:

The Carnegie Center for the Arts is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting personal growth, self-expression, and appreciation of the visual, literary and performing arts among the people of southwestern Michigan, through exhibits, performances, and participatory experiences.

History:

The Three Rivers Carnegie was built in 1904 and opened as the Three Rivers Public Library in January 1905. Built with funds donated by Andrew Carnegie, the town had committed to providing operating funds for the library. In 1980 the Carnegie Center for the Arts opened in the refurbished Carnegie Public Library. The Three Rivers Woman's Club rescued it from demolition after the library moved to a newer building, rented it from the City and restored the premises to their original grandeur. In 1982 the Carnegie Center for the Arts became a private, nonprofit corporation with by-laws and a Board of Directors. In April, 2005, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the art center.

In 2004-2005, we also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Carnegie building with a Centennial Ball in October 2004 to remember the date the workers etched in the basement floor surrounded by maple leaves -- October 21, 1904.