Since its founding in 1986, Space One Eleven has advocated for social justice through the visual arts. SOE’s mission is to provide paid opportunities for visual artists, to create a forum for public understanding of contemporary art, and to offer art education to area youth.

Attendees at SOE art exhibitions and related programs are diverse in race and gender identity. Racial makeup closely aligns with the demographics of the Greater Birmingham Metropolitan area which is 66% white, 32% Black.

Exhibitions at SOE showcase artists who investigate issues such as racial injustice, gun violence, and LGBTQ rights. These topical exhibitions are paired with artist talks and panel discussions to facilitate public conversation and a call for advocacy.