BIGFORK ART & CULTURAL CENTER

In 2024, the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center (BACC) continued to expand its role as a cultural, educational, and community hub for northwest Montana. Through innovative programming, collaborative partnerships, and a strong commitment to accessibility, BACC provided a diverse range of exhibits, workshops, and cultural experiences to engage and educate over 5000 visitors and community members. A key focus in 2024 was broadening educational opportunities while maintaining affordable access for all ages. With continued grant support, BACC lowered program costs and expanded financial aid, allowing more youth, seniors, and underserved populations to participate. As a result, total program attendance grew significantly, with an increase in the number of classes, workshops, and cultural events. Youth engagement remained a priority, with the introduction of new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programs, digital arts workshops, and hands-on maker experiences in our expanded community makerspace. The Flathead Maritime Archaeology Project (FMAP) also provided our local highschool students with opportunities to engage in the technologies to do underwater research, scanning, and data analysis as well as digital archiving historical finds. This process fostered deeper connections to local history and environmental stewardship. BACC strengthened partnerships with local schools, Tribal organizations, and cultural institutions to support diverse voices and heritage preservation. The collaboration with Salish Kootenai College (SKC) and Flathead Reservation schools expanded in 2024, featuring new student exhibits and cultural education initiatives that highlight Native American art, history, and contemporary issues. The Bigfork History Project, a foundational part of BACCs mission, took a major step forward in 2024 with the beginning of the renovations for the new interactive history museum and a new space reserved just for a makerspace in downtown Bigfork. This space serves as a community gathering and learning place where even more visitors can explore local history, engage in creative activities, and participate in educational programs. Museum development will continue into 2025. BACCs commitment to cultural and artistic innovation remained strong, as we introduced new multi-disciplinary exhibits, immersive storytelling experiences, and collaborations with regional and national artists. By working alongside other nonprofits, historical organizations, and educational institutions, we expanded outreach to rural communities, ensuring that arts and culture remain accessible and relevant to all. As we move forward, BACC remains dedicated to preserving the past, inspiring the present, and shaping the future through dynamic programming that brings art, history, and community engagement together in meaningful ways.