MISSION

The Holter Museum of Art fuels artistic creativity and imagination in Montana through exceptional contemporary art exhibitions, collections, and educational programming.

VISION

Embracing the belief that art vitalizes and strengthens community, the Holter Museum of Art seeks to stimulate creativity, curiosity, and collaboration through the visual arts. Our mission is not just exhibiting art--we interpret it, teach it, help create it, preserve it, and build community through it. We capture the imagination of both the young and the grown through exciting exhibitions and powerful art education. We fuel our community's curiosity and vision by exploring diverse perspectives and cultures--including contemporary Indian culture--within Montana, beyond the state, and from abroad. We honor the uniqueness of our community, of Helena and of Montana, by celebrating contemporary regional artists in our collection and, through our collection, we seek to preserve for future generations the record of our own time and place in history. Community is at the core of the Holter mission, and we strive to share the richness of the visual arts as a benefit for all.

HOW WE PURSUE OUR MISSION

The Holter Museum of Art serves Montana and neighboring states with a quality visual arts exhibition program that includes all media; brings national and international exhibitions into the region; provides a much-needed venue for local and regional artists; and collects, preserves, and interprets significant contemporary Northwest art. The Holter is committed to promoting participation by diverse audiences through outreach, innovative educational programming, and collaboration with other organizations. Increasing and promoting a strong cultural awareness to the broadest possible audience is a guiding factor to our operations.

HISTORY

The Holter Museum of Art is located in downtown Helena, Montana. The Museum opened in 1987 as the place to experience contemporary art in central Montana, and has grown dramatically. A $2,000,000 capital campaign completed in 2002 added 6,500 square feet to create a dynamic 17,000 square foot facility and added to our endowment. Offering over 25 varied exhibits each year, art education to all ages, international artist residencies, lectures, receptions and more, the Holter has become the premier cultural center for the region. Since its inception, annual revenues have grown from $74,000 to $700,000. The new facility is considered one of the finest in the state with five exhibition galleries, an Education Center, and a Collections and Research Center. The exhibition and education programs are the primary focus of the Museum's operations, with a commitment to show a wide range of mediums, content, and aesthetic sensibilities.