Valpo Creates Center

Artreach in Northwest Indiana

Valpo Creates Center

The McMillan Valpo Creates Center at 256 Indiana Ave. in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana offers four versatile rental spaces for learning, collaboration, events and artistic exploration.

Open to all creative disciplines—visual arts, music, dance, writing, film, digital media and more—this new 3,000 sq. ft. multi-functional center unveiled in March 2025 is a place to teach, connect and bring ideas to life.

Tour the Center

Watch our virtual tour to step inside!  In-person tours are available by appointment.

Rent spaces

Please fill out this form to apply to rent spaces at the McMillan Valpo Creates Center.

(Note that submitting a request does not guarantee rental. We’ll follow up to confirm availability and provide a contract with details such as parking and usage policies. Request rooms 1-2 months in advance for best availability.)

2D Felting Beach Sunset

Classes & Workshops

Led by local creatives and held at Valpo Creates Center, our hands-on classes, workshops, and community gatherings range from fiber arts and writing to media production and movement. Register today!

We ART Valpo mural at Mural Walk - Valparaiso, IN by Jessica Corral, 2023.
Valpo Creates Center unveiling in Valparaiso, IN
Valpo Creates Center unveiling in Valparaiso, IN
Valpo Creates Center unveiling in Valparaiso, IN
Inside the Valpo Creates Center
Inside the Valpo Creates Center
Inside the Valpo Creates Center
Inside the Valpo Creates Center
Inside the Valpo Creates Center
Inside the Valpo Creates Center
Valpo Creates Center mural in progress in Valparaiso, IN
Inside the Valpo Creates Center
Mural for All paint party
Valpo Creates Center unveiling opening attendees
Mural Walk 2026 crafting at the Valpo Creates Center
Valpo Creates Center unveiling in Valparaiso, IN
Inside the Valpo Creates Center
Inside the Valpo Creates Center

Inside the Center

Rooms to rent at the Valpo Creates Center in Valparaiso, Indiana

Four unique spaces available to rent:

1. City Center Event Space

Capacity: Up to 150 people including instructors/facilitators
Dimensions: 27′- 7″ x 26′-6″
Amenities:
 Open space, tables, chairs, restroom, tech options available, sink, refrigerator
Ideal for: Networking events, community gatherings, panel discussions, educational offerings
Rate: $25/hour

2. Quackenbush Art Studio Education Space

Capacity: Up to 50 people including instructors/facilitators
Dimensions: 24′-4″ x 17′- 10″
Amenities: Tables, chairs, washing station, shared restroom with City Center, tech options available
Ideal for: Weekly classes, pop-up workshops, tutorials, one-time events
Rate: $25/hour

Rent both the Quackenbush Art Studio City Center spaces together for $50/hour. Perfect for large gatherings, performances and multi-room events. Max 200 occupancy.

3. Purdue Northwest Conference Room

Capacity: Up to 35 people
Dimensions: 14′-2″ x 17′-10″
Ideal for: Team meetings, peer reviews, brainstorming sessions, collaborative projects, presentations
Amenities: Meeting table, smart board, speakers, tech add-ons, shared restroom with the artist hub
Rate: $15/hour

4. Porter County Community Foundation Artist Hub

Capacity: Open studio space for up to 3 artists at once
Dimensions: 10′-11″ x 17′-10″
Ideal for: Studio time, work-in-progress, peer reviews, artist networking, storage, collaborative ideas
Amenities: Multi-functional furniture, easels, tech add-ons, standard door sizes, shared restroom with conference room. Creators must bring all items for their art process and can store on site.
Rate: $15/hour

Optional add-on activities

Add a fun create-it-and-take-it activity tailored to your event theme, age group and skill level. $25 per attendee (minimum 10), $15 for each additional (maximum 49 total). Great for birthday parties, celebrations, team building and field trips—just specify your theme in your rental request.

Get involved with Valpo Creates Center

Inside the Valpo Creates Center

Rent our spaces

Request rooms at the McMillan Valpo Creates Center for all kinds of events — classes, networking, and more!

Attend events

Come to our events at Valpo Creates Center and across NWI.

Valpo Creates Center unveiling opening attendees

Volunteer

Volunteer to support programs at the Center as well as other artreach programs.

Donate

Every contribution in any amount helps support the arts in Valpo.

Mayor Costas, Jessica Corral, Alison Quackenbush and Stew McMillan

Get involved with Valpo Creates Center

Inside the Valpo Creates Center

Rent our spaces

Request rooms at the McMillan Valpo Creates Center for all kinds of events — classes, networking, and more!

Valpo Creates Center unveiling opening attendees

Attend events

Come to our events at Valpo Creates Center and across NWI.

Volunteer

Volunteer to support programs at the Center as well as other artreach programs.

Mayor Costas, Jessica Corral, Alison Quackenbush and Stew McMillan

Donate

Every contribution in any amount helps support the arts in Valpo.

Get updates about VCC events and opportunities