Union County Community Arts Council

The Union County Community Arts Council

The Union County Community Arts Council was incorporated July 7, 1980 to "promote, sponsor and encourage broad-based cultural and educational activities throughout Union County and its surrounding areas, while seeking to avoid over-lapping and duplication of efforts; to sponsor cooperative planning, research fundraising, public education and awareness programs, to administer funds and to undertake such other services and programs which will encourage participation in and appreciation of the arts and sciences by all citizens."

This organization was started by a group of interested businessmen for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in Union County through coordination, support and the development of cultural programs that would serve the interests of all segments of the county. Moreover, they felt Union County needed every advantage possible in competing for economic development and knew that an active arts organization could provide a vital tool in recruiting industry and business, promoting downtown revitalization and enhancing the public school system. ACT Community Theatre was formed in July 1980. The Blooming Arts Festival, held for the first time in the spring of 1981, was the first project of the new organization. The initial programming effort proved successful and a director was hired in February, 1982. School programs, community programs and the Arts Council's first annual fund drive was conducted.