Arkansas Arts Council

The mission of the Arkansas Arts Council, AAC, will advance and empower the arts for the benefit of all Arkansans.

The Arts Council expands cultural and educational opportunities by investing in Arkansas museums, theaters, symphonies and other providers of artistic programming. AAC provides funding for artist residencies in schools and after-school/summer programs through its Arts in Education program. By administering federal, state and private funds and providing technical and financial assistance to arts organizations, schools and artists, the Arkansas Arts Council helps ensure that the arts will continue to enrich the lives of all Arkansans for generations to come.

The Arkansas Arts Council expands cultural and educational opportunities by investing in Arkansas museums, theaters, symphonies and other providers of artistic programming. The Arts Council provides funding for artist residencies in schools and after-school/summer programs through its Arts in Education program. By administering federal, state and private funds and providing technical and financial assistance to arts organizations, schools and artists, the Arkansas Arts Council helps ensure that the arts will continue to enrich the lives of all Arkansans for generations to come.

The Council sponsors annual recognition programs, including the Governor’s Arts Awards, the Individual Artist Fellowships and the Arkansas Living Treasure award. The Governor's Arts Awards recognize individuals and corporations for their support of the arts. Individual Artist Fellowships recognize artists for their accomplishments, and the Arkansas Living Treasure honors an outstanding traditional craft artist.

The Council maintains three rosters of visual and performing artists online. The Arkansas Artist Registry is a list of visual artists which is free for artists to join. The Arts on Tour roster is a list of the state's finest solo and ensemble performers. Nonprofit organizations can apply for grants that reimburse a percentage of fees for performances and exhibitions by artists who are part of this program. The Arts in Education roster is a list of teaching artists available to work with schools and organizations.