The Artspace was founded in 1999 as a university gallery program to benefit the academic and public communities of Kansas City. The mission is to support the creation, presentation and appreciation of important contemporary art and visual art education through exhibitions, publications, public art projects, education programs, professional development opportunities, collection stewardship and partnerships. The Artspace is dedicated to presenting innovative, high-quality exhibitions of regional, national and international art; creating unique opportunities for local and regional artists and sustaining a strong regional arts community; and fostering active awareness, support and participation in the visual arts and visual art education.