Smith Center for the Arts

The Smith Center for the Arts is both a presenting organization and a catalyst for enhancing the role of the arts in the Finger Lakes. The organization owns and operates the historic Smith Opera House, manages a regional arts events calendar, and coordinates numerous other arts advocacy projects. It is led by a Board of Directors, and through its committee structure, leaders of other arts organizations in the Geneva area participate in knowledge-sharing and joint identification of strategic initiatives.

The organization was formed in November 2008 through the merger of two organizations, the Finger Lakes Regional Arts Council, Inc. and the Geneva Arts Development Council, which had determined that they could accomplish their missions more effectively by working as one. In 2009, the Board renamed the organization the Smith Center for the Arts, Inc. and developed an aggressive and exciting 2010 agenda to include the installation of a state of the art digital projector to increase the programming available to our patrons, the development of a new centralized ticketing system to be utilized by all arts organizations in the area and assist us in tracking the type of programming that that residents and visitors would like to see at the Smith Opera House and other venues, and the search for a CEO to take our newly-formed organization to the next level, increase the live performances and help us achieve our vision for the Smith Center for the Arts.

Mission
The Smith Center for the Arts, Inc. is committed to providing and sustaining diverse arts and education enrichment opportunities for Finger Lakes residents and visitors, while maintaining its historic venue - the Smith Opera House.

Vision
The Smith Center for the Arts will create a vibrant Finger Lakes community through the arts.

The Smith Center for the Arts Provides
Regional Arts Event Calendar – For arts organizations to post their events, and for residents and visitors to find events

Weekly email of upcoming events at the Smith Opera House and other venues

Stage Door Gift Shop boasts original artwork from nearly one hundred area and regional artists.

ARTSMART Arts-in-Education Regrant… a local arts in education funding program that is administered by the Smith Opera House

Forum for communication and collaboration among organizations that share the goals of art and revitalization