Creation

The creation of the Cultural Council of Richland & Lexington Counties is the result of a vision of the late Columbia Mayor Kirkman Finlay, Jr. In August 1983, Mayor Finlay called together 200 of Columbia?s leaders to form the Cultural Action Plan committee. Those visionaries were in agreement that cultural events were indeed basic necessities because they "unite people in a common celebration of their talents and heritages and produce lasting ties among citizens who would ordinarily be divided by barriers of race, age religion or income."

As a result, the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties was created in 1984, with the mission to bring all arts organizations together under one umbrella and to provide for the arts the vision, leadership, promotion and resources necessary to cultivate and nurture a full spectrum of quality arts in the Midlands of South Carolina.

History

Over the past 25 years, the Cultural Council has strived to be an integral part of the Midlands. Some of the programs include:

* Art in Public Places

* EdVenture

* Cancer Survivors’ Park at Maxey Gregg Park

* Kennedy Center Partner at Lexington school district 3

* Mozart Festival

* Columbia Festival of the Arts

The Cultural Council continues to work with local art organizations. Through the efforts of the Council, the arts have grown into a community of quality, diversity of disciplines and groups. The initial grantees of the Cultural Council were three ? the Columbia Museum of Art, the SC Philharmonic, and Columbia City Ballet. Last year, the Council awarded grants to more than 50 artists, arts organizations, and schools in amounts ranging from as little as $300 to over $30,000.

Throughout the past 25 years the Council has awarded over $11 million in grants. We currently provide operating capital for 14 major funded organizations, partial funding for more than 90 member organizations, and one-time scholarships to individuals, schools and other arts related groups. The Cultural Council, in addition, acts as fiscal agent to non-profit arts groups.

Now

Through the Cultural Council, the quality of life is enhanced by providing quality arts events throughout the two county areas. On any given weekend of the year, one has a myriad of arts events from which to choose ? a play at any of seven active theatres, a free concert in Finlay Park, a nationally acclaimed ballet at the Koger Center, or a gallery opening in the Congaree Vista entertainment district. There truly is something for everyone, despite age, race or background.


Past Projects