In 1980, the North Carolina Arts Council committed to facilitating the establishment of a local arts council in every Carolina county. This led, in 1982, to the creation of the Cabarrus Arts Council. This nonprofit is now a brimming source of inspiration, community, and joy. Plus, it facilitates one of the largest art-in-education programs in the state.
The Cabarrus Arts Council operates out of the 1876 Historic Courthouse in the town of Concord. “Having a physical place where the community can learn, create, and find joy is a must-have for making connections and building long-lasting relationships with our audience,” explains Eliana Arenas, Director of Visual Arts at the Cabarrus Arts Council.
Home Base
The courthouse not only operates as a home base for the council, but also houses the CAC’s primary exhibition and performance spaces. Two elegant staircases lead visitors to Davis Theatre on the second floor of the courthouse. The Davis Theatre is a 227-seat performance venue that hosts professional theater, live music, film festivals, and more. Thanks in part to an impressive renovation made possible by a generous donation from community leaders Roy and Sue Davis, Davis Theatre and the Cabarrus Arts Council can attract local talent as well as regional and national performers.
On the first floor, CAC offices share space with The Galleries. These are four distinct spaces that host both solo and group exhibitions. “We believe it is important to showcase art that is relevant, interesting, and accessible. And is not limited to a specific art medium,” says Arenas. The Grant and Dusch Gallery is the largest of the spaces. It neatly ouccpies a little under 400 square feet. However, all four galleries play a vital role in CAC exhibition schedules.
Cabarrus Arts Council Programming
Visitors can explore the gallery spaces free of charge Tuesday through Friday from 10 – 5pm and Saturdays from 11 – 4pm. Additionally, the CAC organizes a wide array of programming intended to inspire and involve citizens of all ages. For example, Family Days are specifically tailored to children (preschool and elementary school ages) and their parents. These events feature Creation Stations set up throughout The Galleries, I Spy artwork scavenger hunts, and often a short performance or movie in the Davis Theatre or activities on the front lawn of the courthouse. For older youth, the CAC hosts Art Lab. Art Lab is a 1.5-hour class for kids ages 6-16 that consists of a guided tour through the current exhibition in The Galleries and a classroom experience that unpacks the methods and processes that produced the work on display.
Furthermore, the CAC is an integral part of the town of Concord. The council coordinates art walks in the heart of town that coincide with exhibition openings. These art walks invite participation from local shops, galleries, makers, and more, often with a full street takeover. They are, in short, an embodiment of everything that, according to Arenas, the CAC strives to do. “We are here to bring new ideas, create a dialogue, make long-lasting relationships through art for all ages, and serve as inspiration for what art can be and do in everyone’s lives.”
