The Flint Institute of Arts has served an important role in the life of the Flint community since its founding in 1928 and today, continues to play a major role in the growth and revitalization of the city of Flint. Through its exhibitions, interpretive programs, film screenings, concerts, lectures, family events and educational outreach programs, the FIA serves more than 120,000 adults and children annually from all over southeast Michigan.

The selection and presentation of exhibitions and related programming is at the heart of the FIA’s mission which is to advance the understanding and appreciation of art for all through collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. The FIA has been accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1972 and in 2002 the FIA’s collection was designated a National Treasure by the Presidents Committee on the Arts. In 2007, the FIA received the Governor’s Award for Arts and Cultural Organization. 

The FIA’s 150,000 sq. ft. facility is a unique space with more than 25,000 sq. ft. of gallery space, a large light-filled and welcoming entrance and lobby area with visitor amenities including a café and gift shop, an Art School, a library, a theater ideal for presentations, films, and lectures, a video gallery, and a large "great hall," seating more than 200 for events of all kinds. 

The FIA maintains a collection of over 8,000 objects, sustains a membership of 3,200, registers 1,700 students from pre-school age to senior citizens in Museum Art School studio classes, and presents school programs to 25,000 K-12 students annually.