Love
We embrace and embody a profound sense of love in all our endeavors. Love is patient and kind, never envious or boastful. It values every individual and every idea with humility and respect. Our commitment to love drives us to create an environment where every member of the community feels cherished and empowered. This love transcends differences and challenges, fostering unity and understanding. We believe that through genuine care and selfless dedication, we can inspire positive change, build lasting connections, and enrich the quality of life through our public art initiatives.

Inclusivity
We are committed to creating and supporting public art initiatives that reflect and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our community. We strive to ensure that every individual feels represented and valued through our projects and programs.

Social Equity
We believe in the power of art to drive social progress. Our efforts are dedicated to addressing and advocating for social equity, ensuring that our initiatives contribute to a fair and just society where all community members have equal opportunities to engage with and benefit from public art.

Innovation
We embrace the integration of art with STEM innovation to foster a vibrant, creative ecosystem. Our focus is on pioneering approaches and leveraging technological advancements to enrich our public art initiatives and support community well-being.

Community Engagement
We prioritize active and meaningful engagement with our community. By involving local residents, stakeholders, and partners in our projects, we aim to build a strong, collaborative environment that enhances the quality of life in Rolla.

Economic Diversity
We support initiatives that stimulate economic growth and diversity through public art. By promoting a range of artistic and technological endeavors, we contribute to the economic vitality and sustainability of our community.

Forward-Thinking
We envision Rolla as a premier arts destination that embraces and leads in innovative and inclusive practices. Our commitment to being forward-thinking drives us to continuously explore new possibilities and adapt to emerging trends in art and technology.

Collaboration
We value partnerships and collaborative efforts that enhance our mission and vision. By working together with artists, community members, organizations, and businesses, we amplify our impact and create a thriving, supportive network.

Excellence
We strive for excellence in all our endeavors, ensuring that our public art initiatives are of the highest quality. Our dedication to excellence reflects our commitment to enriching the community and advancing our mission.

Our public art program thrives thanks to a dedicated team working together to ensure success. 

The Board of Directors provides strategic direction and keeps us aligned with our mission. 

Our Public Art Panel, made up of diverse community members, offers fresh perspectives and evaluates Call to Artists public art proposals to ensure they enhance our public spaces and meet community standards. 

The Public Art Program Co-Directors manage the program's overall operations, including planning, budgeting, and community engagement, and act as primary contacts for artists and stakeholders. 

The Curator(s)/Artistic Director(s) shape our artistic vision and select artworks that meet our high standards. 

Our Community Engagement Coordinator builds connections with the public through events and workshops, ensuring broad participation. 

The Project Manager oversees individual projects, handling timelines, budgets, and coordination. 

The Fundraising and Development Officer plays a crucial role in securing the funding needed for our program’s success.

 The Public Relations and Marketing Specialist boosts our visibility through various media channels. 

The Installation Coordinator/Technician manages the setup of artworks, while the Conservation and Maintenance

 Specialist ensures their long-term care and restoration. Our Administrative Support Staff keeps daily operations running smoothly, and the 

Volunteer Coordinator recruits and organizes volunteers to assist with events and activities. Together, this team is dedicated to delivering vibrant and impactful art experiences for our community. 

Initially its a small group handling all these roles. This is why we need your support and investment into 

Rolla Art Space Transformative Alliance Inc. 

R.A.S.T.A. Inc.

R.A.S.T.A. Inc. is dedicated to transforming Rolla with a vibrant public art and cultural amenities program. This initiative will introduce a mix of existing, historic, and new art installations, alongside dynamic cultural events and innovative projects that enhance our public spaces and sense of social justice. A key element will be a community panel that will help guide many of these installations, ensuring they align with our diverse and inclusive vision and values. We invite everyone to invest in and support this program, as we work together to enrich Rolla’s cultural landscape and strengthen community bonds. 

Our efforts will center on forging strategic partnerships to establish a cutting-edge fabrication arts center with an integrated gallery. This hub will serve as a creative powerhouse, providing artists with state-of-the-art facilities to bring their visions to life and showcase their work. By aligning with key stakeholders, we aim to create a dynamic space that fosters innovation, supports artistic development, and serves as a vibrant community gathering place. This center will not only enhance Rolla’s cultural fabric but also become a beacon of creativity and collaboration, attracting artists and art enthusiasts alike. 

We’re committed to enhancing the ACORN Trail for all travelers and recreational users in Rolla. Our plan includes distinctive, non-intrusive art and cultural amenities—such as striking sculptures, miniature murals, informative plaques, and bike-friendly elements—that celebrate nature. This initiative will boost the trail's appeal and usage, deepen the community’s connection to the environment, and highlight the importance of preserving our open spaces. 

Our initiative will revitalize Rolla with eye-catching murals, sculptures, and interactive art installations throughout the community. These artworks will enhance public spaces, address social issues like stigma and poverty, and create a more vibrant and inclusive environment. Expect visible improvements in aesthetics and a stronger sense of community pride. 

We will transform Rolla's Downtown Arts Walk into a dynamic monthly event that energizes the community and attracts visitors. Featuring new art installations, rotating exhibits in vacant spaces, immersive storefront displays, and engaging cultural activities, the Arts Walk will showcase local creativity and talent. Collaborations with Missouri S&T's innovation labs will inspire social impact initiatives and create exciting commercialization opportunities. This revitalization will beautify downtown, boost local businesses through increased foot traffic, and foster community pride while providing meaningful opportunities for individuals previously marginalized by stigma. 

The "Artist Out of Residency" initiative is a reimagining of the traditional artist-in-residence program, specifically designed for individuals experiencing homelessness, whether sheltered or unsheltered. This program empowers homeless artists to create and share their work in public spaces, local businesses, and community hubs throughout Rolla. By providing resources and platforms for these artists, the initiative not only highlights their unique perspectives but also fosters a deeper understanding and connection within the community. This innovative approach turns art into a powerful tool for social change, making creativity accessible to all and giving a voice to those who are often unheard. 

The ACORN Retail & Tourism Trail is a visionary project designed to seamlessly bridge Rolla’s natural beauty with its retail sector, creating a unique and engaging experience for residents and visitors alike. This initiative centers around the fabrication of giant acorns, each sponsored by local businesses and organizations. These acorns will be artistically painted or commissioned by sponsors, becoming vibrant, eye-catching landmarks that tie participating shops to the ACORN Trail. This innovative program not only enhances storefront visibility but also drives foot traffic, offering businesses powerful promotional opportunities. By integrating art with commerce, the ACORN Retail & Tourism Trail will invigorate Rolla’s retail landscape, foster community pride, and make our city a must-visit destination, where nature and business flourish together. 

We will launch an updated public art catalog that highlights Rolla’s diverse artistic contributions. This catalog will include current installations, a historical overview of the arts, and a guide to potential sites for future projects. By mapping the past, present, and future of public art in Rolla, this catalog will inspire community engagement and investment in our cultural landscape. 

Our strategic initiatives are designed to cultivate talent and drive professional growth in Rolla's creative sector, positioning it as a powerful engine for economic diversification and job creation. By nurturing a new generation of artists and cultural leaders, we aim to enhance the local economy, attract and retain long-term residents, and improve overall quality of life. These initiatives will serve as a creative industry incubator, fostering innovation and strengthening social determinants of health through enriched community engagement. Investing in these programs will not only support vibrant cultural development but also contribute to a thriving, dynamic city.