North Carolina boasts one of the largest networks of local arts agencies in the nation. For more than 50 years, the N.C. Arts Council has cultivated the network through grant support, professional development, and technical assistance.

Each local arts agency is unique to the community it serves, reflecting the interests and priorities of the people and the cultural resources and traditions of the place. Each agency evolves with its community to welcome new residents, talents, and ideas. While no two local arts agencies are alike, they share a common purpose: to promote and support the local arts sector in ways that benefit the public.

Whether in urban or rural areas, local arts agencies offer residents and visitors a wide range of arts experiences, spanning literary, visual, performing, traditional, and multidisciplinary art forms. Many agencies collaborate with schools to provide arts programs that boost student learning. More still operate cultural facilities with galleries, performance venues, and studios for art classes. All these creative experiences connect people across economic, cultural, and geographic lines, building social bonds and strengthening communities.

Across the state, local arts agencies partner with local governments to stimulate economic growth, tourism, and downtown revitalization. The millions of dollars in grant support that North Carolina’s local arts agencies provide to arts organizations and artists in their counties fuel a robust ecosystem of arts groups of all sizes and disciplines, contributing to the state’s vibrancy and quality of life.

Thanks to the work of North Carolina’s local arts agency network, communities in every corner of the state celebrate their unique cultural assets and maximize their public benefit. Engage with your local arts agency today to learn what’s happening in your community.