Founded in 1970 in loving memory of Charles B. Goddard by his wife, Ethel Goddard, the Charles B. Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts has been a cornerstone of cultural life in Ardmore, Oklahoma, for over five decades.

Dedicated to enriching the lives of South-Central Oklahoma residents, the Goddard Center offers a vibrant mix of visual and performing arts, arts education, and community engagement. Its facilities include a professional-grade performance theater, rotating touring gallery space, a permanent art collection featuring prominent artists such as Leonora Carrington and Charles Burchfield, an outdoor sculpture garden, and fully equipped art education studios.

The Goddard Center’s Art Studios provide hands-on, project-based instruction to youth, adults, and seniors — ensuring that artistic expression is accessible at every stage of life. The Center is a proud member of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce and collaborates closely with the City of Ardmore, the Ardmore Tourism Board, the Ardmore Development Authority, and the Main Street Authority to deliver quality cultural programming that reflects and serves the local community.

At the heart of the Center’s mission is a strong commitment to equity and access. The Goddard Center's Board and staff actively develop programs and strategies to engage historically underserved populations, making the arts a shared experience for all.

Ongoing programs supported by the Center’s operating budget include touring exhibitions, live performances, educational lectures and demonstrations, art instruction, and community outreach initiatives.

The Goddard Center is also proud to be the home of the Ardmore Little Theatre (ALT). While the Center brings professional and touring acts to its stage, ALT showcases the incredible talent of local performers — passionate community members who bring beloved plays and musicals to life.