Our Commitments

At Augustana Arts, we believe music should be welcoming, meaningful, and accessible to everyone. Our mission is guided by a set of commitments that shape every concert we present, every educational program we offer, and every partnership we build.

These commitments aren't just aspirations - they're principles that guide our decisions every day.

  • Music has the power to inspire, connect, and strengthen communities. We believe financial barriers should never prevent someone from experiencing live music performances or education.

    Pay What You Can Tickets

    Most Augustana Arts concerts are offered with Pay What You Can ticketing. We never want cost to be a barrier to attendance.

    This model helps ensure that live music remains accessible while allowing those who are able to support the experiences they value.

    Affordable Music Education

    Through Music Encounters, we strive to make music education financially accessible. Many of our classes are offered completely tuition-free. When tuition is charged, it is offered on an optional or suggested basis, allowing families to participate regardless of financial circumstances.

  • Augustana Arts is committed to making and presenting music in an equitable, respectful, and kind environment. We believe a commitment to access and inclusion must accompany diversity, and that equity in all aspects of race, culture, ideology, gender, sexuality and economic reality must be the driving force for how Augustana Arts engages the community with music. We embrace all humans and welcome ongoing discourse that is vulnerable, curious, and open, while condemning sentiments and actions stemming from individual and systemic biases. At Augustana Arts, we strive to provide a safe harbor in the face of bias and hate.

  • Innovation is at the heart of our work. We embrace creative concert formats, unexpected collaborations, and imaginative programming that encourage audiences to listen differently and connect more deeply. From performances in non-traditional venues to multi-genre collaboarative experiences, we continually explore new ways to make live music engaging and relevant. We champion new artistic voices alongside traditional classical works, commission new music, and create opportunities for musicians and audiences to discover something unexpected together.

  • Our commitments continue to evolve as we learn from our audiences, participants, artists, educators, and partners.

    We know there is always more to learn, and we remain committed to listening thoughtfully, adapting intentionally, and ensuring that music continues to be a source of connection, creativity, and belonging for our entire community.