Haywood County Arts Council 2024 Impact Statement
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) proudly serves as a vital hub for creativity, education, and cultural connection in our community. With 197 artist members and 35 gallery retail artists, HCAC provides a platform for talent to flourish and for the arts to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.
Expanding Reach and Engagement
In 2024, HCAC welcomed over 15,000 guests to its gallery at 86 N Main Street, where seven exhibits showcased 1,191 artworks, highlighting the incredible talent of our local artists. Additionally, eight Art After Dark evenings and the annual **Studio Tour Weekend—attended by over 400 guests—**strengthened the bond between creators and their audiences. Through these events, we continue to foster meaningful connections between artists and the community.
Volunteer and Community Support
Volunteers contributed over 400 hours in 2024, keeping the Haywood Handmade Gallery open and serving as ambassadors for HCAC. Their dedication ensures that every visitor can connect with our mission, learn about our programs, and understand the vital role we play in supporting the arts in Haywood County. Volunteers also played a crucial role in our Quilt Block Studio, our special events, and educational initiatives, demonstrating the power of community involvement in sustaining the arts.
Educational Growth and Heritage Preservation
HCAC expanded its educational programming in 2024 with the addition of a new classroom space at Church Street Studios in October. This space enables us to provide more opportunities for artistic learning and exploration. Over the year, we hosted 28 Creation Classes and 11 Kids Art Club sessions, inspiring creativity in participants of all ages. HCAC’s commitment to preserving heritage shines through initiatives like the WNC Quilt Trails Program, supported by over 20 dedicated volunteer painters, ensuring this cherished tradition continues.
The Council also nurtures the next generation of Appalachian musicians through its Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program, which serves 25+ students learning traditional guitar, banjo, and fiddle. By providing these lessons, HCAC ensures that the region’s musical traditions endure for future generations.
Special Events and Economic Impact
HCAC’s Fashion for the Arts show, hosted by Ava & Arden, was a major success, raising just over $12,000 to help support arts programming in Haywood County. Events like this continue to expand our reach while engaging the community in innovative ways.
Through partnerships such as HART Theater, Andon Reid Inn, and the Biltmore Estate, HCAC has broadened opportunities for local artists, including featuring their work in new venues through the Art Across Haywood initiative.
Resilience and Support in Times of Crisis
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, HCAC stepped up to support its community, raising and regranting over $13,000 to artist members impacted by the storm. This vital assistance underscored HCAC’s role as a champion for artists, ensuring they have the resources to recover and continue creating.
Public Engagement and Success Stories
The Challenge Me exhibit in March 2024 was a standout success, celebrating the artwork of differently-abled adults in Haywood County. This powerful exhibit brought the community together in a shared appreciation of creativity and inclusion.
Programs like Art After Dark, Creation Classes, and the Quilt Trails of WNC allow HCAC to engage the public meaningfully. These efforts not only keep history alive but also provide opportunities for local artists to generate income while sharing their craft with others.
Looking Ahead
Through its diverse programming, unwavering support for artists, and rapid response to challenges, HCAC enriches lives, drives economic impact, and fosters a vibrant arts culture in Haywood County. With the support of 154 donors, HCAC raised just over $39,000 last fiscal year, ensuring that we can continue to create opportunities for artists and inspire creativity for all.
