Mission
BIMA creates a welcoming space and inspiring platform for lively public engagement and appreciation of the contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound region and its international collection of Artists’ Books.
About the Museum
About
Located a stone’s throw away from the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal, BIMA is the gateway to Bainbridge Island and beyond. Home to a growing Permanent Art Collection with a focus on artists and collections from the Puget Sound region, BIMA is thrilled to welcome visitors from around the world to view its galleries.
Since opening its LEED Gold certified building in 2013, BIMA has become the cultural living room for the local community. The Museum’s galleries, auditorium, Bistro, Store and plaza buzz with a variety of events covering the entire artistic spectrum.
BIMA’s exhibitions feature recognized masters and emerging artists that are sure to leave you inspired by their striking work and thought-provoking themes. With major exhibitions changing three times per year (that’s 15-20 new shows to experience annually!), as well as classes, tours, films, workshops, lectures, concerts and events, there is always something new and exciting to experience at BIMA.
BIMA actively delivers its artistic vision through a variety of educational programs. The Museum’s Arts Growth Initiative focuses on advancing its multi-pronged educational program, including field trips for students throughout the region during the school day, hands-on art projects to children of all ages, after-school art clubs, summer camps, workshops for adult learners, and programs for people going through Early Stage Memory Loss.
BIMA believes art is for everyone and is committed to provide free general admission to the museum every day. This is made possible thanks to gracious and generous donors and BIMA members like you.
Vision
BIMA aspires to spark dialogue, deepen connection and nourish creativity and learning through an inspired confluence of art, ideas, artists, and guests of all ages, identities, and backgrounds.
Values
Transformational Impact – Using art to unlock potential and inspire innovation, learning, and optimism.
Art for All – Advancing accessible arts engagement and cultivating a sense of belonging, respect, and enjoyment for all.
Diversity – Celebrating the full spectrum of human experience by creating spaces where authentic storytelling is respected and diverse voices are valued throughout the organization.
Culture of Service – Supporting and creating experiences that lift community, support artists throughout their journey, and offer resources that make a positive difference in the world.
Stewardship & Integrity – Demonstrating fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and compassionate accountability for the care of BIMA’s collections, facility, environment, staff, and relationships.
Land Acknowledgement
“Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished.” – Chief Seattle, 1854
We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is within the ancestral territory of the suqʼʷábš “People of Clear Salt Water” (Suquamish People). Expert fisherman, canoe builders and basket weavers, the suqʼʷábš live in harmony with the lands and waterways along Washington’s Central Salish Sea as they have for thousands of years. Here, the suqʼʷábš live and protect the land and waters of their ancestors for future generations as promised by the Point Elliot Treaty of 1855.
History
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art began its long road to realization in 2009 with a spark of an idea to create a cultural and artistic bright spot to showcase the region’s outstanding arts and culture. The museum was designed to be an active resource for the community, and the founders were committed to creating a warm and welcoming cultural and educational organization that would be free to all, with no admission required.
Led by a founding board of directors from throughout the region, the early years at BIMA were spent designing and building a museum that embodied that spirit of vitality, openness, accessibility, and passion that deeply informed the founding vision. In June 2013, BIMA opened the doors to its Matthew Coates-designed building to the public with the Museum’s inaugural show First Light.
BIMA has quickly established itself as part of the vibrant cultural landscape of Washington State and beyond. The Museum’s mission to inspire curiosity, wonder and understanding by connecting people with the contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound region has been brought to life with an emphasis on diverse and lesser-known artists, and Northwest strongholds like glass, printmaking, and sculpture.
Looking toward the future, BIMA continues to grow as an organization and expand artistic and educational programming, providing new ways for the community to engage with and learn from the breathtaking and thought-provoking art and craft of the Puget Sound Region.
View BIMA's Annual Reports
Major Sponsors and Grantors
