40 Years of Artspace
Four decades of inspiring creativity, supporting artists, and enriching our community through the power of art. Since 1986, we’ve grown from a small grassroots effort into a vibrant hub for artistic expression, education, and collaboration in the heart of North Carolina’s capital.
This site is a living, growing piece of our archives and will be updated throughout the year with new stories and perspectives. If you have memories or stories to share, let us know by filling out our story form!
A Space for All
Thank you to the NC State Fall 2025 Art of the State class for creating this video!
Our History
Since 1986 we have served the citizens of Raleigh from a historic building in the cobblestone-lined streets of the City Market neighborhood. To fully understand the history of Artspace, we must also look at the history of this building.
1911
The 30,000 square foot building that now houses Artspace was originally built as the City of Raleigh’s livery stable.
The building later became the Sanders Ford Car Dealership which used the building to sell and repair cars. The dealership remained in the building until 1969 when it was vacated for another location.
1980
A group of community leaders envisions an arts center and “cultural corridor” in Downtown Raleigh. With this vision, they approach the City of Raleigh for support.
The Raleigh Arts Commission establishes the “Art Space Subcommittee” Task Force to explore the need and interest in a multipurpose art facility.
1981
Artspace incorporates and receives endorsements from the Raleigh Arts Commission, the Downtown Advisory Board and Raleigh Mayor, Smedes York. In 1982, Artspace gained its non-profit 501(c)(3) status.
1986
Artspace opens to the public (with 23 studios occupied by 32 artists) with over 1,500 people in attendance. Artspace is the pioneer organization in the City Market area and is a major influence on the redevelopment efforts in downtown Raleigh.
1990
Artspace collaborates with the City Gallery of Contemporary Art to launch the “First Friday Gallery Walk”, which continues to bring large numbers of people to downtown Raleigh the first Friday of each month.
The same year, Artspace debuts its Summer Arts Program. The program allows for youth to participate in the creative process with professional artists and art instructors.
2000
Artspace launches its Regional Emerging Artist Residency with inaugural resident artist André Leon Gray.
This program continues today, now called the North Carolina Emerging Artist Residency as we’ve welcomed artists from outside the Triangle.
2005
Artspace’s Board and CEO, Mary Poole, vote to purchase the building.
After a year of negotiations with the city, Artspace acquires ownership of the building, marking its sustainability as an organization and permanence in Downtown Raleigh.
2019
Artspace begins the Universal Access Artist Residency, providing a short-term residency each year to an artist with a disability. The inaugural Universal Access Artist in Residence was Katie Shaw.
The residency was made possible through the actions of past Operations + Finance Manager, Megan Sullivan, who received The Betty Siegel Universal Access + the Arts Award; which recognizes the substantial achievements of Arts Learning Community for Universal Access members who complete all three years of the program.
2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the building temporarily closes to the public. Staff and artists work behind the scenes to launch virtual classes and artist talks, and small-group creative programming to combat the isolation of the pandemic.
2021
Artspace reopens to the public and rebuilds staff capacity to design and enhance inclusive programming. After a national search, Artspace also welcomes a new President + CEO, Carly Jones.
2023
Artspace creates the HBCU Artist Residency with inaugural resident, Jalen Jackson.
The HBCU Artist Residency provides one HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) graduate each year with a stipend, studio space, professional development, and a solo exhibition to support their career as an artist.
2024
Artspace launches Artspace on the Go, a mobile art van that brings high-quality artist-led art education to underserved populations.
Since its launch, the program has reached more than 4500 people!
2026
Artspace looks to the future with a new strategic plan and refreshed mission and vision statements while celebrating its 40 years of history.
Help us celebrate! Share your Artspace story.
1911
The 30,000 square foot building that now houses Artspace was originally built as the City of Raleigh’s livery stable.
The building later became the Sanders Ford Car Dealership which used the building to sell and repair cars. The dealership remained in the building until 1969 when it was vacated for another location.
1980
A group of community leaders envisions an arts center and “cultural corridor” in Downtown Raleigh. With this vision, they approach the City of Raleigh for support.
The Raleigh Arts Commission establishes the “Art Space Subcommittee” Task Force to explore the need and interest in a multipurpose art facility.
1981
Artspace incorporates and receives endorsements from the Raleigh Arts Commission, the Downtown Advisory Board and Raleigh Mayor, Smedes York. In 1982, Artspace gained its non-profit 501(c)(3) status.
1986
Artspace opens to the public (with 23 studios occupied by 32 artists) with over 1,500 people in attendance. Artspace is the pioneer organization in the City Market area and is a major influence on the redevelopment efforts in downtown Raleigh.
1990
Artspace collaborates with the City Gallery of Contemporary Art to launch the “First Friday Gallery Walk”, which continues to bring large numbers of people to downtown Raleigh the first Friday of each month.
The same year, Artspace debuts its Summer Arts Program. The program allows for youth to participate in the creative process with professional artists and art instructors.
2000
Artspace launches its Regional Emerging Artist Residency with inaugural resident artist André Leon Gray.
This program continues today, now called the North Carolina Emerging Artist Residency as we’ve welcomed artists from outside the Triangle.
2005
Artspace’s Board and CEO, Mary Poole, vote to purchase the building.
After a year of negotiations with the city, Artspace acquires ownership of the building, marking its sustainability as an organization and permanence in Downtown Raleigh.
2019
Artspace begins the Universal Access Artist Residency, providing a short-term residency each year to an artist with a disability. The inaugural Universal Access Artist in Residence was Katie Shaw.
The residency was made possible through the actions of past Operations + Finance Manager, Megan Sullivan, who received The Betty Siegel Universal Access + the Arts Award; which recognizes the substantial achievements of Arts Learning Community for Universal Access members who complete all three years of the program.
2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the building temporarily closes to the public. Staff and artists work behind the scenes to launch virtual classes and artist talks, and small-group creative programming to combat the isolation of the pandemic.
2021
Artspace reopens to the public and rebuilds staff capacity to design and enhance inclusive programming. After a national search, Artspace also welcomes a new President + CEO, Carly Jones.
2023
Artspace creates the HBCU Artist Residency with inaugural resident, Jalen Jackson.
The HBCU Artist Residency provides one HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) graduate each year with a stipend, studio space, professional development, and a solo exhibition to support their career as an artist.
2024
Artspace launches Artspace on the Go, a mobile art van that brings high-quality artist-led art education to underserved populations.
Since its launch, the program has reached more than 4500 people!
2026
Artspace looks to the future with a new strategic plan and refreshed mission and vision statements while celebrating its 40 years of history.
Help us celebrate! Share your Artspace story.
Your Stories
Through the summer camps, I’ve been able to rekindle my love for teaching young children. It brings me joy to see them express themselves through visual art, building confidence and self-esteem while simply having fun.
I was one of the original artists starting Artspace in 1986. Artspace meant so much to my development as an artist and I really enjoyed my 20 years there. I especially loved the interaction and exposure to the public. Through that exposure I gained valuable gallery representation and made many sales, both corporate and private.
When I was in high school, I visited Artspace on First Fridays. It was like walking into an artistic wonderland. Seeing the variety of art and meeting the artists behind the work will always be inspiring to me.
Share your story here for the chance to be featured on our website and social media!
Artspace has really showed me the value of surrounding yourself with art. I feel like it creates deep thinking, wonder and curosity. My son has been exposed to art his entire life and it shows in his freedom of creativity and thinking.
I love how my journey with Artspace grew and changed over so many years. From walking in the galleries during lunch to taking classes… then meeting artists and celebrating art at events.
Residency at Artspace has been a truly invaluable experience for me, allowing me to expand in my concepts and ideas, to develop a really strong body of work while reaching out into the community
Artspace was a big part of my childhood, and my life now. Growing up I went to many Artspace summer programs, and am proud to say it made a positive impact in the artist I became.
The foundation of the strong artist community that I am a part of now really began at Artspace, and I can't thank them enough for that.
My Artspace story is entwined with memories as a middle school kid in their summer camp program. Under the guidance of teaching artists I experimented with materials and processes in ways I wouldn’t otherwise have been exposed to at that time— photography, stuffed animal creatures, chair painting… and a collaborative wall mural were among many meaningful experiences I had.