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.
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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​
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Vision
To be the central resource for the arts by inspiring a creative life for all
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Values
Accessibility: Making the arts available to everyone regardless of their ability
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Diversity: Embracing and enabling our diverse culture
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Inclusion: Inviting everyone to participate and be better together
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Collaboration: Engaging key partners in the process
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Excellence: Delivering quality with integrity in everything we do
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Strategic Objectives
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Serve the Community
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Cultivate a Creative Network
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Foster and Develop Young Talent
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Expand Quality of Place
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Areas of Focus
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Visual Art
Painting, Drawing, Photography, Sculpture, Public Art
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Design
Graphic Design, Textiles, Furniture, Architecture
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Performance
Dance, Theatre, Music
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Literary Art
Poetry, Spoken Word
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Film
Independent, Documentary
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Cultural Equity Statement
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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.
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Board of Directors
Julie Del Genio
President
Kelsey Finch
Vice President
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Ross Kunkler
Treasurer
Amy McCormick
Secretary​​
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Anna Denoyer
Ryan Doughty
Annie Johnson
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Daniel Luis Martinez
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Abhishek Satham
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Sharon Sung Andrews
CAAC Staff
Creative Team
Brooke Hawkins
Executive Director
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Kim Wadholm
Operations Manager
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Anjali Naryaranan
Program Coordinator
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Tatum Downing
Social Media Coordinator
Yoonji Jung
Graphic Designer
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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.
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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.
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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.
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