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 and quality of life.
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
Yoonji Jung
Graphic Designer
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 2024.