Coles County Arts Council

The Coles County Arts Council is a not for profit, all volunteer organization now in its 39th year of supporting and providing arts education, performances and programs to the people of our rural, central Illinois community. We offer scholarships, support film and literary festivals, host writing groups and workshops, provide grants to local theatre and music groups, organize art exhibitions and invite young children to express themselves at free public art events. We believe that art makes a difference because it opens eyes, minds and hearts. We also believe that it should be shared with everyone in our community. It’s our mission to help make that happen!

CCAC’s Community Grant Program supports local festivals, exhibitions, workshops and performances that enrich the cultural life of Coles County. Our scholarship programs in music, dance, literary and visual arts help talented local youth attend summer arts programs. We work for you!

Have you enjoyed a screening at the Embarras Valley Film Festival? Did you roar with the literary lions at EIU”S winter celebration of literature or revel with the players last summer during Charleston’s Theater in the Park? Perhaps you’ve painted “en plein air” at Artist’s Day at the Whiteside Garden or watched your neighbor’s kids get creative at Kids Arts in the Park. We’ve been busy! And we’d like to do more, but we need your help! Please join CCAC today – because Members Matter!