Burlington City Arts – Burlington, VT

City Cultural Department and Gallery

Burlington City Arts (BCA), headquartered at the BCA Center on Church Street, serves as the cultural planner and arts department for the City of Burlington. Housed in a beautifully restored 1889 firehouse, this three-story facility is a hub for contemporary art exhibitions, community events, and educational programs. Unlike a private museum, BCA is a municipal agency dedicated to making the arts accessible to all residents regardless of economic or physical constraints. The center features rotating exhibitions of national and local contemporary art, which are always free to the public.

Programs and Education

BCA offers a wide array of services that integrate the arts into the daily life of the city:

• Exhibitions: The BCA Center hosts contemporary art shows that spark critical dialogue.
• Education: Through BCA Studios (located separately on Pine Street but administered here), the department offers classes in pottery, photography, printmaking, and jewelry for all ages.
• Public Art: The agency manages the city’s public art collection and commissions new works for public spaces, parks, and buildings.
• Festivals: BCA produces major community events, including the Festival of Fools, the South End Art Hop (partnership), and summer concert series.

Visiting the BCA Center

The BCA Center is located in the heart of the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only shopping and dining district. The building is fully accessible, featuring an elevator to all gallery levels. Visitors can participate in workshops, attend artist talks, or simply enjoy the galleries. As a city building, it adheres to municipal safety standards. While admission to the galleries is free, fees apply for classes and some special events. The center accepts various payment methods for class registrations and art sales, including credit cards and checks.