Creating a Better Columbia

Formed as a non-profit in 2012 and currently designated as the Local Arts Agency for the city of Columbia, One Columbia has a mission to advise, amplify, and advocate for the unified arts and culture community. Our work enhances quality of life for our citizens, attracts tourist dollars, and supports a vibrant and growing city.

Advising City Leadership

We serve in an advisory role to City Council, creating a bridge between the arts, our community and government. We provide recommendations, identify opportunities, and help the arts community communicate their concerns to decision makers.

Amplifying Arts and Cultural Programs

We help artists find audiences and people discover the arts—providing a city-wide directory of exhibits, performances, and classes. Tourists and citizens can search our calendar to make plans and use our public art directory to create walking tours. Artists and organizations can use our free tools to expand their audiences.

Advocating for Artists

We strengthen the creative community by providing new opportunities for artists—helping them find funding, studio space, performance venues, and educational opportunities. We help members of the business community identify artists for commissioned work.

Our Initiatives

In addition to promoting arts organizations and artists 365 days a year, we directly manage initiatives that provide for more public art, studio space, and education across the city. Learn more about these exciting initiatives and how they benefit the community under What We Do.