Annual Fund

Dare County Arts Council Announces Annual Giving Campaign

Dare County Arts Council is grateful for the many Outer Banks residents and visitors who benefit from the activities of the Dare County Arts Council and who have helped us pursue our mission to encourage the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.

Looking back on this past year, we hope that you share our pride in the amazing offerings our community produced. With funding cuts across the board, our arts in education programs in the schools, affordable workshops that help encourage emerging visual artists, Open Mic literary events, the innovative Legacy Project in partnership with Dare County Home Health and Hospice, did so much to enhance the quality of life here in Dare County and set us apart as a community rich in cultural arts and heritage.

Of course, our summer move into the Historic 1904 Dare County Courthouse was the highlight of this past year. With support from the County Commissioners and a lot of work by the talented Public Works staff and many volunteers, the first floor and exterior of the elegant old building was made safe and ready for the Art Council offices and galleries. We know you are as thankful as we are to have such a prestigious home that is centrally located for easy accessibility from all the townships that make up Dare County. It is truly a valued asset for us all. We logged more than 6000 visitors in the first three months though we know it was actually more because it is so hard to count every head when the Courthouse is filled to capacity for special events like our First Friday receptions for new exhibits. The Gallery displays the work of more than 200 local established and emerging artists and has sold over $27,000 of their work since opening the doors to the courthouse in August, a clear benefit for our local economy.

Your generous support did so much in 2010 to maintain the high quality of our programs and ensure the sustainability of Dare County Arts Council. Every dollar given makes a big difference in our community for our children, residents, visitors, arts organizations, and for individual artists of every genre.

The Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to encourage the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity. For more information about DCAC or to contribute to the Annual Giving Campaign, call (252) 473-5558. You may also make a secure, online donation by clicking the "Donate" button on this website.