THE PURPOSE OF THE HYDE PARK ART CENTER (THE ART CENTER) IS TO STIMULATE AND SUSTAIN THE VISUAL ARTS IN CHICAGO. IT DOES SO BY CHALLENGING AND SUPPORTING ARTISTS, CONNECTING ARTISTS TO A BROADER PUBLIC, AND CREATING A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE VISUAL ARTS. THE ART CENTER'S FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANYONE TO SEE, MAKE, LEARN ABOUT, AND DISCUSS ART.