Connect2Culture (C2C) is the cultural heartbeat of Joplin and unlike any organization in the area. C2C is a not-for-profit group that seeks to enhance the Joplin community by “igniting a passion for the arts, culture, and entertainment.” It does just that as a community arts agency, visionary, and performing arts presenter.

As Joplin’s community arts agency, C2C promotes and supports all arts and cultural activity in the Joplin area on a daily basis, serving as the collective voice for over 50 organizations. These services not only benefit the organizations themselves, but the community-at-large. By highlighting and sharing information through a variety of channels, accessibility to creative offerings is reliable and greatly increased.

C2C remains the driving force and visionary behind the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex (The Cornell Complex), which will contribute to its annual performance capacity and the revitalization of downtown Joplin. The Cornell Complex will be a major destination, enhancing quality of life and creating a gathering place for citizens, area residents, and visitors. The multifunctional building will include a 450-475 seat performance hall, new and expanded gallery spaces for Spiva Center for the Arts, an outdoor amphitheater/festival plaza, rooftop venues, office space for arts and cultural organizations, and more. Aside from being a great asset to the community, The Cornell Complex will serve as home for both C2C and Spiva, who will oversee performing arts and visual arts respectively.

As a performing arts presenter, C2C offers world-class entertainment in Joplin at an affordable price. Each year, C2C’s highly anticipated concert series features a variety of performers. Dubbed the “Curtains Up Series,” C2C offers residents and visitors the chance to experience artists from across the globe who would otherwise not stop in Joplin. From gifted singers and remarkable bands to hilarious skits and thrilling dancers, each performance will delight audiences as soon as the curtain’s up.

Oldest continuously operating community theatre west of the Mississippi.