Columbus
Area
Arts
Council
About the Columbus Area Arts Council
The Columbus Area Arts Council is a non-profit organization that enriches the community through arts projects and programs, including exhibitions, events, local artist development initiatives, and grants to artists and organizations. We provide resources and develop strategies that impact local culture, quality of life, and economy.
Through its exhibitions, CAAC showcases diverse art forms and artists from the local community and beyond. This provides a platform for artists to share their work and helps to build a sense of community around the arts.
The organization also offers community programs to engage the public in the arts and foster a greater appreciation for them. These programs include workshops, performances, and educational events open to all community members.
In addition, CAAC provides support and resources to local artists through various initiatives. These include professional development opportunities, such as mentorship programs, workshops, and access to grant funding.
CAAC enriches the cultural landscape of Columbus and surrounding areas. Our vibrant arts community attracts visitors, generates revenue for local businesses, and creates an attractive environment for potential residents and businesses. These factors significantly impact the region's cultural, social, and economic fabric.
CAAC is the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) Regional Arts Partner for Region 9, representing Bartholomew, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jackson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland Counties.
Mission
To strengthen the community through arts and culture
Vision
To be the central resource for the arts by inspiring a creative life for all
Values
Accessibility: Making the arts available to everyone regardless of their ability
Diversity: Embracing and enabling our diverse culture
Inclusion: Inviting everyone to participate and be better together
Collaboration: Engaging key partners in the process
Excellence: Delivering quality with integrity in everything we do
Strategic Objectives
Serve the Community
Cultivate a Creative Network
Foster and Develop Young Talent
Expand Quality of Place
Areas of Focus
Visual Art
Painting, Drawing, Photography, Sculpture, Public Art
Design
Graphic Design, Textiles, Furniture, Architecture
Performance
Dance, Theatre, Music
Literary Art
Poetry, Spoken Word
Film
Independent, Documentary
Cultural Equity Statement
With a vision “to be the central resource for the arts by inspiring a creative life for all,” CAAC is committed to providing everyone access to the arts. We are actively shaping a creative community that is inclusive, diverse and equitable, welcoming participation regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.
Board of Directors
Julie Del Genio
President
Kelsey Finch
Vice President
Ross Kunkler
Treasurer
Amy McCormick
Secretary
Mike Elwood
Past President
Ryan Doughty
Annie Johnson
Cheryl Miles-Vieth
Abhishek Satham
Sharon Sung Andrews
T. Kelly Wilson
CAAC Staff
Creative Team
Brooke Hawkins
Executive Director
Kim Wadholm
Operations Manager
Anjali Naryaranan
Program Coordinator
Jan Banister
Interim Gallery Coordinator
Yoonji Jung
Graphic Designer
Kris Roberts
Special Projects Coordinator
History
In 1972 the Driftwood Valley Arts Council was formed. In 1989 the Driftwood Valley Arts Council and The Commons staffs were combined into the Columbus Area Arts Council under one board of directors.
The Columbus Area Arts Council is a leading arts agency in Bartholomew County, partnering with state, regional and local organizations to bring the arts to everyone. CAAC is a not-for-profit corporation supported by public and private donations, the City of Columbus, the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Funding & Sponsorship
CAAC is a non-profit organization supported by private and public donations, the City of Columbus, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Cummins Inc. and Elwood Staffing are CAAC's investor-level sponsors in 2022.