Central School Project is a cooperatively-run non-profit community arts center located in the heart of the Bisbee, Arizona Historic District. While you are here, you can sign up for our mailing list , read the latest newsletter, check out upcoming events and learn about who we are and what we are doing!

CSP is also home to KBRP, Bisbee's community radio station. KBRP is dedicated to bringing culturally enriching programming to the Bisbee area. Visit them at http://www.kbrpradio.com/.

Be sure to become a fan of Central School Project on Facebook to access additional announcements and news.

Events & Announcements

International Film Series presents Maybe God Is Ill

Friday, February 10, 7:00 p.m.
Award-winning writer, Walter Veltroni takes us on a stirring, unforgettable journey across the vast continent of Africa to witness controversial stories of tragedy, turmoil and hope. Everyone knows Africa is going through a very difficult transition, but who really understands the depths of the wars, hunger and diseases that make up its everyday catastrophes? Are these problems close to being resolved or are they just the beginning of a spiraling pandemic of worldwide crises? Find out as Veltroni takes us on a very personal tour and never-before-seen look at the people of Mozambique, Angola, Senegal, Cameroon, Uganda and South Africa.

3rd Annual Mystery Ball Fundraiser

Saturday, February 18
Disguise yourself for a night of masked elegance at the 3rd Annual Mystery Costume Ball Fundraiser. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks while experiencing art installations, performance, and music. Get dressed up for Bisbee’s most mysterious masquerade and have a fabulous evening while supporting CSP!

Opening reception for Forward Ever, Backward Never: Photos of the Selma March, 1965

Saturday, January 14, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

"Forward Ever, Backward Never: Photos of the Selma March, 1965" provides viewers an inside look at a milestone in the civil rights movement from the lens of photographer James H. Barker. The exhibition documents the 51 mile journey through Alabama during the Selma march.

This exhibition features 74 of James Barker’s black and white photographs of the march. “To this day I cannot look at them without feeling grateful that I somehow stumbled into this opportunity to participate in one of the great moments of our country’s history”, he said. Last year "Forward Ever, Backward Never" was exhibited at the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.

The exhibition will remain on view through January 29. Gallery hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Gallery Talk with James Barker
Sunday, January 15, 3:00 p.m.

Photographer James H. Barker for a gallery talk about his work and experiences during the Selma March of 1965.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation Partners to Preserve Bisbee’s Central School

Central School Project is pleased to announce that they have partnered with the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation to preserve the historic Central School. The Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation awarded Central School Project $100,000 in grant funding to aid in the rehabilitation of the 105 year old building. This award will be distributed over three years. In making this long-term commitment, CSP can leverage additional federal funding which requires an equal match.

Bisbee’s Central School is a prominent landmark and cultural feature of the Bisbee Historic District. Built in 1905, Central School stood as a symbol of the bustling mining town’s commitment to its bright future. As Bisbee has transformed into an artistic hub in the Southwest, the school, serving as a visual arts center, remains an emblem of its community’s future.

“After learning that the building’s very foundation was at risk we knew that it would take a bold plan to ensure this landmark building continues to serve our community,” said Central School Project Executive Director Melissa Holden. “We are thrilled that the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation has partnered with us to preserve this important piece of Bisbee history.”

CSP Board President David Sherman said, “I think that it is really fantastic that the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation is supporting the growth of arts and culture in Bisbee through their generous sponsorship of the physical preservation of this 105 year old building.”

Central School Project would like to thank the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation for this generous grant and for their dedication to revitalizing the Bisbee community.