Missoula's community art gallery and performance space at the ZACC features free live music during Second Gallery Opening Nights and other evenings throughout the year.

Floundering, practicing, pushing the limits of artistic endeavors, and participating in local cultures lies at the heart of visual media. In fact, visual media is one of the strongest communication tools a community possesses.

At the heart of its mission: the ZACC gallery provides a venue to make art accessible to the community by encouraging participation and fostering authentic experiences through public and private exhibits of art, live music, and film screenings by emerging and aspiring local artists. From conception to installation, the ZACC supports exhibiting artists by helping realize their particular vision.

Musicians have used the ZACC since 2008 to celebrate CD releases, share good company, perform in a non-alcohol venue, and celebrate with the Missoula community as an all ages event.

The ZACC Community Gallery has carpet, limited funding and staffing, but has served the needs of thousands of viewers, musicians, artisans, and groups seeking an intimate space. The Gallery thus serves two populations – artists and non-artists – through one centralized community resource. The Gallery meets these needs by providing access to an affordable venue for public and private performance of an eclectic array of musical and artistic performers and exhibitors from solo artist or emerging filmmaker, to rock bands, to community small box theater.

The goal is to provide an accessible, affordable and safe venue space for all ages of people. A musical project or theatrical venture that may not have been applicable at a bar venue or other “traditional” concert space, now is given a chance to flourish in a small intimate setting. So far, the venue has seen a handful of shows a month ranging from soft folk music, to rock and experimental music or small theater, hilarious film shorts, and poetry readings. The events have allowed teenagers to adults to exhibit shows together and learn from each other’s creative efforts with toddlers, parents, and friends in attendance. Through this educational focus, the ZACC gallery empowers the community to meet its creative needs.

Currently, the ZACC do-it-yourself gallery is a large, multi-use room that also serves as a ZACC classroom, large meeting room, and performance space. One main monthly show hangs on the walls. In addition to individual works, other special art offerings are shown throughout the year.

ZACC CALL FOR MUSICIANS: Seeking Musicians wishing to play music during Second Friday Gallery Openings and other major events at the Zootown Arts Community Center in our main gallery. Call: 406.549.7555 or Email: info@zootownarts.org