Donkey Mill Art Center is a place of convergence for the exploration of arts and culture to inform, inspire and strengthen individual and collective well-being. Since 1994, the Mill has been committed to promoting their vision of establishing West Hawai’i as a model of a resilient, thriving community where art is considered a necessity, not a luxury. Arts education is at the forefront of the mission as it is essential to break down socio-economic and cultural barriers.

The Mill strives for systemic change beyond providing arts curriculums and teaching artists through a number of programs including professional development for teaching artists and classroom teachers, mentoring opportunities for teaching artists across the state, and partnering with other arts organizations with complimentary missions.

Donkey Mill Art Center’s commitment to solidifying art as essential is apparent from its understanding of art as a universal language through which we find connection and ask deeper questions of ourselves, each other, and our world. Further emphasized by its notion that arts education develops survival skills such as creative problem-solving, empathy, flexibility, and collaboration and empowers individuals and communities to face modern day challenges united by our shared humanity, strength and hope for future generations.