The Emerson's mission is to build community by promoting art and culture, set in a historic building.

To achieve this, the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture:

• Engages the public by hosting and curating exhibitions and programs of regional and national recognition.
• Promotes arts education through its ongoing classes and outreach to public schools and the community.
• Celebrates Bozeman's history through effective stewardship of its historic facility.
• Offers the community a variety of spaces for studios, meetings, performances, receptions, classes and other activities.
• Leads the way in regional public art via city-wide projects with lasting impact.
• Works in collaboration with its tenants and other arts, cultural and civic organizations to stimulate economic activity in Bozeman and to further its reputation as a regional destination.

The Emerson Center values:

• Furthering art appreciation, expression and participation for all ages;
• Artistic and cultural vitality as the heartbeat of community;
• Excellence and professionalism in all exhibition, educational; and presenting practices.