Arts Support Organizations (Cross-discipline, By City)
The following are independent or municipally supported arts support organizations that provide programs for their respective city, town or region, or provide support by artistic discipline.
Please email us any updates or suggestions for addition. Our goal is to keep this list as complete and up-to-date as possible.
Councils and Commissions by City / Town / County
Cary Cultural Arts Division – The Town of Cary’s Cultural Arts Division is dedicated to provide services to the citizens of Cary and the surrounding area through a variety of events so they may come together as a community; to experience visual & performing arts activities showcasing artistic excellence; to operate appropriate cultural facilities; to consult with artists and cultural organizations as appropriate to further their development as community resources; and to oversee grants provided by the Town to support cultural groups and activities. Website.
Chapel Hill Office of Community Arts and Culture – Website.
Chatham County Arts Council – The Chatham County Arts Council, is a not for profit organization that supports and presents the arts and artists in our community. The Council encourages community participation in the arts to enrich the quality of life of the county’s residents. The Council fosters arts awareness and education, and encourages the use of arts as a tool for economic development. ChathamArts offers classes, camps, events, a gallery, and organizational grants, among other services. Website.
Durham Arts Council – Durham Arts Council, Inc., is a private nonprofit organization that promotes excellence in and access to the creation, experience and active support of the arts for all the people of our community. Website
Fuquay-Varina Arts Council – The Council mission is to inspire and enhance the lives of citizens in our community and beyond by developing appreciation of the arts, presenting arts programming, supporting local artists, and fostering creativity in the community. Website.
Hillsborough Arts Council – For more than thirty years, HAC has been developing and providing arts events, programs, and educational opportunities for the people of Hillsborough and surrounding communities. HAC is committed to providing access to the arts for educational enrichment, community development, and economic prosperity. Website.
Johnston County Arts Council – The Council provides quality opportunities in the arts for every County resident. The council funds arts programs and projects throughout the county; enhances the quality of education for over 31,000 students in our schools through the Artists-in-the-Schools program; promotes local artists and arts activities for the public; provides key resources like the local artist database, community arts calendar and Arts Council website; serves as a key resource in making Johnston County a great place to live, work and raise a family. Website.
Orange County Arts Commission – The Orange County Arts Commission, located in Hillsborough, is an agency of Orange County government. Our mission is to promote and strengthen the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina. Website.
City of Raleigh – The City of Raleigh Arts Commission, established in 1977, serves as the leading force to champion the arts with Raleigh citizens and their representatives. Serving as the official advisory body and advocate for the arts to the City Council, the Commission is dedicated to the ongoing goal of connecting people to the arts and building a vital and ever-expanding creative community for Capital City residents and visitors. The Office of Raleigh Arts is the City’s hub for public art, community arts programming and organizational support for the cultural sector. Raleigh Arts also oversees the Pullen and Sertoma Arts Centers and manages several exhibition spaces as well as the Municipal Art Collection. We work to ensure every resident has access to the arts and support our local creative community.
ARTS Wake Forest – Wake Forest Arts supports local artists and existing art programs throughout our community and encourages new arts ventures. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which is funded through grants from the Town of Wake Forest and through the contributions of our donors, sponsors and artist members. Our mission is to support and enhance a strong, vibrant community through the development, promotion and coordination of arts and cultural institutions. Website.
United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County – United Arts is a private, nonprofit organization that provides various arts-related programs and services in Raleigh and Wake County. United Arts partners with businesses, individuals, foundations and the government to raise funds and distribute grants to schools, arts organizations and local artists. Website
Organizational Support
Arts Access – Arts Access is an organization whose fundamental goal is to encourage and enable people with disabilities to have full access to arts programs and facilities and participate fully in the cultural and artistic life of Raleigh and the Triangle area. Among other services, Arts Access trains and provides Audio Describers for cultural performances and provides sensitivity training for arts providers. Website.
