Mission: To support professional and personal artistic endeavour in the Annapolis region, through varied, creative, informative, and challenging exhibits, programs, and workshops. 

Mandate 

1. To act as a focal point for local artistic talent and expertise, and to facilitate the integration of art and artists into the life of our communities;
2. To support the development of professional and emerging artists, from within and outside our community, through exhibitions of their work, promotion, and provision of opportunities to connect to wider audiences;
3. To act as a resource, advocate, and host to local, regional, national and international artists;
4. To broaden and generate revenue opportunities for the region’s practicing artists;
5. To provide educational and professional development opportunities for artists and community members;
6. To collaborate and partner with local arts and community resources, and with other peer organizations provincially, nationally and internationally;
7. To foster appreciation and understanding of contemporary arts expression through community-oriented programs, outreach, and creative opportunities;
8. To provide access to local and external arts professionals, through residencies, workshops, talks, and media, fostering involvement in the arts;
9. To develop and maintain ARTSPLACE as a regional arts centre. 

We have a particular interest in the development of youth.  We have begun to develop skill in integrating professional and student artistic practice, finding ways to share ideas and technique, and to explore each other’s ways of thinking.  Our high school brings art students to see all of our major exhibitions.  We encourage youth participation in workshops and special themed projects such as the Lunar exhibit held in 2019.  We also provide youth with opportunities to develop and curate their own programs.   

The Annapolis Region Community Arts Council (ARCAC) was founded as a Society in 1982 by a group of artists who wanted to share their work and ideas with each other and their community. ARCAC is a registered, not-for-profit, charitable organization. In 1995, ARCAC acquired its own building, known as ARTSPLACE, and commenced operations as an artist-run centre and community arts space. ARTSPLACE currently has four galleries, a residency studio/gallery and space for workshops and performances. The organisaton is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA), the NS Dept. of Communities, Culture and Heritage (CCH), and through membership, donations and fundraising.