Our Mission

Founded in 1967 with the democratic vision of "arts for all citizens," the North Carolina Arts Council sustains and grows the arts for the benefit of North Carolinians and their communities.

What We Do: The Arts Council A-Z

The North Carolina Arts Council delivers resources to arts organizations and artists to support projects and programs of public value that revitalize downtowns, educate and empower North Carolina youths, and fuel a thriving non-profit creative sector that generates over $2 billion annually.

Executive director Wayne Martin announces departure

Wayne Martin will depart the North Carolina Arts Council at the end of 2021 after a 34-year career. He has been its executive director since 2012.

Governor Cooper reappoints Jaki Shelton Green as North Carolina Poet Laureate

Green is the first African American and the third woman to serve as the state's ambassador for poetry and the spoken word. She was first appointed North Carolina Poet Laureate in 2018.

Discover North Carolina Arts Stories

The North Carolina Arts Council presents stories and shares news about artists, arts organizations, and arts sector trends that capture the spirit, impact, and public value of the arts on the Arts Across NC blog.