Dear Friend of the Arts:

A simple statement cannot convey the enormous impact that the arts have on the life of a community…this community. The arts help us learn, grow, express, heal, and celebrate. The arts help us to appreciate and preserve our cultural heritage as well as strengthen our local economy. The number of varied arts events held right here in Watauga County is amazing. These arts events are created and hosted by a wide variety of groups and partnerships. However, they all hold the same goal - to make the arts more accessible, and through that access to make a positive impact on each of our lives.

The Watauga Arts Council is one such organization, and it takes its commitment to this community seriously. To begin understanding the scale of this commitment just look at the numerous events and programs listed on the website.

Here are a few important facts about the Watauga Arts Council:

While it gratefully receives some funding from the county, and the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock, it is NOT a county run or financed agency. It has a full time staff of only three, and depends on volunteers and a Board of Directors to implement programs and raise the funds necessary for its important community programs.

The hardworking staff writes grants and seeks funding wherever possible, but let’s face it, grants are time consuming for a small staff and funding is reaching ever-decreasing levels. For example, funding from the North Carolina Arts Council has decreased by over 40% within the last three years.

To continue its quality programs, the Watauga Arts Council is completely dependent upon the people of this county …people just like you.
Please consider making a contribution to the Watauga Arts Council today. Your support will make the difference in providing quality arts programming for the entire county.

Thank you for your generosity, and support!