New York Mills is a national example of how the arts can be embraced in a rural community and reinvigorate a local economy.

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center continues as a successful multi-disciplinary rural arts center, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 1990. The Center presents a year-round performing arts series, displays visual art in a historic gallery on Main Avenue, offers classes and workshops for all ages with a focus on lifelong learning, including outreach in schools, care centers and more. It also hosts a variety of annual community festivals and events including the Great American Think-Off each June, the Fish House Festival in July, the Kalevala Puppet Pageant in August, and the Longest Night Music Festival each December. The Arts Retreat artist residency program has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1990 and offers 2-6 week stays for artists of all disciplines and from all geographic areas. The Cultural Center and City of New York Mills continue their strong relationship which includes shared management of an outdoor Sculpture Park located on the north end of town. Visit kulcher.org to learn more about how the Cultural Center cultivates the arts in rural America.