About us

Battle Creekmakes art.We make room for it.

The Art and Culture Collective of Battle Creek builds and strengthens the arts and culture ecosystem in Battle Creek, through programs, spaces and the artists who make them happen.

Whywe're here

Great things start in garages. This one is ours.

This organization began with a group of grassroots Battle Creek artists looking for support and stability during the pandemic. We were already doing the work, so we didn't wait for permission. But we knew we needed protection, and that took work and strategy. Today, we are building our livelihood with our own hands. Along the way, we learned how long Battle Creek had needed this. In 1987, the city's civic leaders called arts and culture essential: a driver of community health, jobs and identity. The vision was right, but the support never came. Nearly 40 years later, artists are at the forefront of making that vision a reality.

Ourstory

2022We start. Our first grant, $347,071 in ARPA funds from the City of Battle Creek, launches our pilot.
2023ACCBC Studios opens at First Congregational Church. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation invests $145,000, including a study of the local cultural economy.
2024Our first grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
2025The Battle Creek Community Foundation backs ArtBridge Community Workshops.
2026The Creative Entrepreneur Course launches, and we start planning The District at WK Kellogg School & Auditorium.

What wedo

If it grows or protects the arts in Battle Creek, we're in.

AdvocacyWe speak up for local artists and arts funding with the city, schools and funders.

PartnershipsWe team up with schools, nonprofits and businesses so art reaches more people.

CollaborationWe share space, ideas and audiences with the groups already doing the work.

Community buildingWe bring neighbors together around art, especially those who have been left out.

Artist developmentWe help artists grow their craft and build a living from it.

Artist grantsWe put money straight into artists' hands to launch their ideas.

SponsorshipWe back local events and creators who need a partner behind them.

Shared servicesWe help arts groups with the back-office work, so they can focus on the art.

See our programs and events

Where we'reheaded

The District is our plan for a community arts hub at WK Kellogg School & Auditorium, built around creativity, entertainment and learning, with three parts working together.

ACCBCThe spaces: creative labs, studios and room to perform and produce.

ForgeExploring the future of visual and performing arts education and workforce development in Calhoun County.

Arts EcosystemBuilding a shared resource model to support the back office of all art and culture orgs in Calhoun County.