Established at a public meeting in May 1977, the non-profit Morgan Arts Council
has produced more than a thousand programs with nearly 2400 artists, benefitting
thousands of visitors and residents including students in all county schools.
Presentations have included concerts, arts workshops, pageants, entertainment at
the Apple Butter Festival, craft studio tours, professional art shows, storytellers,
theater and video festivals.
All these activities -- and more -- are aimed at accomplishing MAC's stated mission:
Getting Art Out There
The official arts council of Morgan County, MAC has more than 450 individual and
family members. MAC is governed by an elected board of artists and business people
and staffed by a professional arts administrator. A corps of dedicated volunteers
work in all areas, from booking artists to curating gallery shows to staffing the
box office at concerts and plays. New volunteers are always welcome.
MAC's leadership extends beyond arts programming. In 1993, MAC hosted the first
West Virginia Arts Assembly. In 1995, it brought a Benedum Foundation project
to the area which provided $80,000 in project grants to 39 groups and organizations
from the Humane Society to the Boys and Girls Club. In 2000, MAC directed development
of a county cultural and recreation plan. Financial support derives from West
Virginia Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts grants, hotel/motel
taxes, fundraising activities, membership fees and admissions.
