About the Arkansas Arts Council

The Arkansas Arts Council was established in 1966 to enable the State to receive funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. In 1971, Act 359 (A .C.A . § 13-8-101 et seq.) gave independent agency status to the Arts Council, with an executive director and a 17-member council appointed by the Governor. In 1975, the Arts Council became a division of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

Established in 1971 to develop and implement a coordinated and comprehensive statewide program for the support of the arts in Arkansas, the Arkansas Arts Council provides services and grants-in-aid supporting arts endeavors that encourage and assist artists in achieving standards of professional excellence. In addition, the Arts Council assists other relevant arts projects to include surveys, research and planning for the arts. To contact anyone on the Arts Council staff in Little Rock of for district arts council member information, see the list below.

The Arkansas Arts Council is an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and shares the goals of all seven Department of Arkansas Heritage agencies, that of preserving and enhancing the heritage of the State of Arkansas. The agencies are: Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Historic Arkansas Museum, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and the Old State House Museum. Funding for the Arkansas Arts Council and its programs is provided by the State of Arkansas and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Mission Statement

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

Vision

The Arkansas Arts Council, in collaboration with its constituents and strategic partners, will increase awareness of and appreciation for the quality of arts produced and presented in Arkansas.

Goals

1. Encourage artistic excellence, diversity and innovation
2. Promote equitable access to the arts for all Arkansans
3. Develop arts in education for life-long learning
4. Enhance community cultural and economic development
5. Build and sustain the capacity of the Arkansas Arts Council to fulfill its mission

Arkansas Arts Council Strategic Plan

Staff

Janet Harney
Expansion Arts Program Manager
(501) 324-9782
janet@arkansasheritage.org

Cheri Leffew
Special Events/Projects Manager
(501) 324-9767
cheri@arkansasheritage.org

H.L. McGill
Community Development Program Manager
(501) 324-9775
hlm@arkansasheritage.org

Randy Smith
Grants Administrator
(501) 324-9781
randys@arkansasheritage.org

Sally A. Williams
Artist Services Manager
(501) 324-9348
sally@arkansasheritage.org

Teena Woodworth
Fiscal Officer
(501) 324-9780
teena@arkansasheritage.org