About
Our Mission
Mill Pond Center for the Arts is a living model for cultural vibrancy, where ties between arts and environment are made available, explicit and alive through access to performance, exhibition and education. We strive to enrich culture and education through collaboration, drawing on talent and interest from around the region and around the world. Our mission is to build and strengthen community through the arts, through excellence in outreach and access to education
Arts
MPCA is a presenting organization, hosting independent theater groups, musicians, and other professionals to offer performing arts events and education in the arts. While many programs are offered by independent entities, others are sponsored directly by MPCA. The theater is the venue for drama and chamber music. This 90-seat venue has a long tradition of theatrical performances and enjoys enthusiastic support. The deck of the barn and the surrounding lawn provide an ideal site for outdoor concerts. The ballet studio serves well for dance, yoga, and allied activities. Several performing arts educational programs are for youth. Please refer to the education and outreach link for further details.
Education
The MPCA is a community-based arts organization. By reaching out and working with other arts centers, university programs school programs, museums, theaters, as well as individual artists, and performers not only in the community, but worldwide, the MPCA will create a vibrant cultural and educational experience for the community, artists, and performers. In addition to expanding existing programs, the MPCA envisions bringing in new programs and non-profit organizations under its umbrella that will add to the critical energy and vitality of the MPCA as a true community arts center. At the core of this program is a focus on education and involvement in the local schools. Through our educational outreach program we anticipate supporting the classroom efforts of teachers while building audiences for the center's classes, workshops, performances, and shows that will provide additional levels of artistic experience. Anchoring a 17 acre parcel with important conservation value overlooking the historic Oyster River and Mill Pond, the MPCA campus is perfectly situated to allow school and community programs and art forms of all kinds to take root and flourish. For example, the five-bedroom, 300 year-old inn will serve as the foundation of a residential center for visiting artists in the fine, performing and visual arts. This program will enrich the regions arts community by inviting and providing fellowships for both established and emerging artists to enjoy the unique setting of the MPCA campus, and foster intimate involvement with arts as well as artists involvement with the community.
Conservation
Anchoring a 17 acre parcel with important conservation value overlooking the historic Oyster River and Mill Pond, the MPCA campus is perfectly situated to allow school and community programs and art forms of all kinds to take root and flourish.
Board of Directors
President - Françoise Meissner, Dan Miner, Bette Bramante, Walter Rous, Carolyn Anderson, Diane Smith, Richard Gsottschneider and Executive Director - Katie Muth