Mission
BucksArts elevates the power of art, words, and performance to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, build connection, and spark joy.
Vision
Our long term vision for BucksArts is to be known throughout the Delaware Valley as a vibrant center for the creative arts, artists, and art enthusiasts.
Values
Community
The arts strengthen Bucks County by bringing people together, nourishing the spirit, and creating shared experiences to help us understand our times.
Connections
Creative voices, audiences, and arts lovers grow stronger when they are seen, heard, and welcomed.
Collaboration
Artists, writers, performers, organizations, and community partners create greater impact together than one voice can create alone.
Opportunity
Artists deserve meaningful opportunities for exposure, appreciation, compensation, and growth so their work can enrich the wider community.
Validation
Creative work has intrinsic value. Artists merit recognition for their courage and contributions when sharing their voices.
Expression
Art, words, music, and performance are essential forms of human expression that help individuals and communities reflect, imagine, heal, and grow.
History
1974
Established in 1974 as the Bucks County Council on the Arts, the organization originally hosted exhibitions and programs, published a bimonthly newsletter, and established extensive archival holdings representing Bucks County artists.
1985
In 1985, the Council on the Arts joined forces with the Bucks County Commissioners to convert the Bucks County Prison into the James A. Michener Art Museum, preserving a historic landmark and giving future generations a place to learn and celebrate their artistic legacy.
Early 2000’s
Guided by founder Katharine Steele Renninger, a steering committee was formed in the early 2000’s to re-establish The Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County leading the next stage of development and forging alliances with arts and cultural organizations throughout the county.
2026
The 2026 Board of Directors drove the development of a new long-term strategic plan to strengthen and secure the future of the organization, rebranding as BucksArts and recommitting to a refreshed mission, vision and values.
Sun, Alix Stoll
Passing By on Brook Road, Jane Ramsey
Snowy, Foggy Dawn, Donna D. Lovely
The Little Donkey, Deb Hoeffner
Spalted Maple Hollow Form, Bernard Hohlfeld