ABOUT CSP
our mission
Central School Project is a non-profit arts and cultural center with the three-fold mission of providing affordable creative space to working artists, preserving and adapting the historic Central School building as a cultural center, and fostering appreciation of the arts in the Bisbee community.
The Central School Project Board is composed of 20 artist members. The Board officers are Karen Schumacher, President; Bridget Shanahan, Vice-President; Lucy St. John, Treasurer; and Pam Blunt, Secretary. Executive Director: Laurie McKenna
history
Begun as a tenants' association of artists in 1982, CSP was incorporated in 1985 and received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS the following year. In 1994, the organization bid on and purchased the 1905 building from the local school district. In accordance with its mission, CSP has provided, besides much-needed preservation work on the historic Central School building, a broad array of arts programming, including art exhibits, performance art, poetry readings, plays, concerts, dance performances, film events, and children's workshops.
As a community service organization in a rural community that has become widely recognized as a center for the arts, CSP supports and collaborates with individuals and organizations to further cultural awareness in the community. CSP also makes its resources available to the community for a variety of programs and activities.
membership queries
Membership Information
When studios become available CSP has a call for applications. Interviews are then conducted by a member search committee. The call for applications is published here, via social media, and local newspapers.
Studio fees are based on square footage. Membership requires a commitment of time (in-kind service hours) to fulfill our mission of fostering arts in the Bisbee community and preserving our historic building.