What is the Arts Commission?
The Orange County Arts Commission
is a department of Orange County government which works to develop the
arts in Orange County, North Carolina, which includes the townships of
Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Carrboro. Created in 1985 by the Orange
County Board of County Commissioners, the Arts Commission also has a fifteen-member
citizen advisory Advisory
Board.
Our Mission
To promote the artistic and
cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina.
Our Role
The Orange County Arts Commission
is the countywide arts agency that ensures the growth of local arts experiences
by providing funding and support for diverse, high quality programs.
The Arts Commission is also Orange County’s information clearinghouse on
local arts events and programs. As a branch of Orange County local
government, our offices are located in Hillsborough, both the county seat
and geographic center of the county.
Citizen Advisory Board
The Arts Commission Board
is made up of fifteen Orange County citizens who help to steer the future
of the Arts Commission and provide recommendations to the Board of County
Commissioners on arts and culture issues.
For information on volunteering for the board or in other capacities, please see our
volunteer section.
Staff / How to Contact Us
Martha Shannon, Arts Commission
Director: mshannon@co.orange.nc.us
Yvonne Scarlett, Administrative
Assistant: yscarlett@co.orange.nc.us
| Phone and E-Mail: |
919/245-2335
Fax: 919/644-3008
arts@co.orange.nc.us |
| Street Address: |
110 East King
Street
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 |
| Mailing Address: |
P.O. Box 1177
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 |
Services Overview
For details beyond the overview below, see the programs and services section and the grants section on this web site.
Arts Funding
The Arts Commission offers
two annual cycles (spring and fall) of arts
grants to organizations and professional artists coordinating arts
and culture programs in Orange County. Categories include:
- Arts Program – supporting projects
that benefit Orange County citizens.
- Artist Project – professional
artist projects with a strong public focus.
- Arts in Education – programs
in local public or private schools.
- General Arts Support – key support
for local organizations with a strong history and community base.
For more information, please see our grants section.
Information Clearinghouse
The Arts Commission gathers,
maintains and provides a variety of local arts and culture information
on programs, services, artists, and arts professionals. Local arts
patrons, business, educators, and interested citizens regularly contact
the Arts Commission for information.
Print and Web Publications
As a service to our constituencies,
the Arts Commission offers several publications in print and online.
- Orange Arts Newsletter
Our bi-annual, color newsletter,
featuring a variety of information on Arts Commission
programs and services.
- Orange County Arts & Culture Guide
New, full-color brochure
offers information and maps on Orange County arts and culture venues. Coming soon!
- Interactive Online Arts Directory
Providing detailed information
to arts patrons and professionals on local arts venues and artists, the
website also offers links to various event calendars.
If you have questions about
the Arts Commission, please feel free to contact us.
