PROGRAMS:
Artists-in-the-Schools
This comprehensive arts in education program is designed to utilize the arts to reinforce and expand basic curriculum through exposure to performances, hands-on workshops, and residencies with professional artists. Available for all students, grades K-12, at every Johnston County public school, the Artists-in-the-Schools program focuses on the arts as a tool for learning and cultural enrichment.
Since its inception in 1999, this program has funded over 1,100 school events, involving more than 150 artists specializing in the disciplines of dance, folk arts, literature, multi-disciplinary arts, music, storytelling, theatre and visual arts.
Grassroots Arts Program
In partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council, JCAC administers Johnston County’s annual allotment of Grassroots funds allocated by the North Carolina General Assembly. These funds are used to support local nonprofit organizations for arts activities that enrich the cultural life of the county and provide every resident with the opportunity to experience the arts.
Regional Artist Program
This program awards grants to local emerging and professional artists in need of financial support to pursue projects beneficial to their development as professional artists. Grants are made possible through a five-county partnership including Franklin, Vance, Warren, Wake and Johnston Counties, in collaboration with the North Carolina Arts Council.
In addition to the grants programs, the Arts Council administers a variety of community arts services, including:
Music for the Lunch Bunch
The Music for the Lunch Bunch is a series of summer concerts held every Wednesday, at 12:15 pm, featuring local artists performing a variety of music, with particular emphasis on classical music. This concert series has been in existence since 1985.
Student Art for Johnston Health
The Johnston County Arts Council, in partnership with Johnston Health and Johnston County Schools Visual Arts teachers, produces six art shows annually for display in Johnston Medical Center-Smithfield. Since its inception in 1996, this groundbreaking program has provided local students a venue to display their work publicly, while offering patients, parents, hospital staff, and visitors the opportunity to experience the healing power of art. Each art show spotlights a different Johnston County School and is displayed on a two-month exhibition cycle.
The Johnston County Arts Council, working in partnership with Johnston Health, seeks to promote the use of the arts to enhance the healthcare experience for patients, their families and caregivers at Johnston Medical Center-Clayton, a new outpatient hospital on NC 42 West in Clayton. The Arts-in-Healthcare program is funded in part by the Town of Clayton Cultural Arts Fund.
Scholarships
JCAC recognizes the importance of nurturing the creative spirit and supporting opportunities for young artists to pursue careers in the arts. In partnership with Johnston Community College, JCAC awards scholarships annually to assist local students studying in the arts field.