As an arts professional (an art teacher until retirement), a former member of the board of the former Greeensboro Artists' League (now CVA), and now an independent artist, I believe the Greensboro United Arts Council is one of our most valuable assets. The UAC is very involved in promoting the arts in our community for many reasons, not the least of which is economic. The UAC is fair in supporting all of the arts, and I know that many of our wonderful community arts organizations would not have continued to exist without their support. I would urge every member of our Creative Community to support the efforts of UAC, both financially and otherwise.
The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro is an extension of the NC Arts Council. It is meant to serve Greensboro and surrounding cities (mainly those of Guilford County). I feel like the UAC is focused too much on arts organizations located or operating downtown, especially those conveniently located in the Cultural Arts Center. Some arts organizations cannot afford offices downtown, but end up out of the loop when it comes to what is going on at the UAC. I am familiar with the UAC because I received a grant from the NC Arts Council, but if it had not been for that exposure, I would not know that the UAC existed. I really would like to see the UAC learn about and reach out to the many arts organizations outside of the Cultural Arts Center and the ones that are not downtown, especially the small ones with large visions that can contribute greatly to our county in the future. Why not host some events in different areas of Greensboro and other smaller cities that are served? Why not post materials about the UAC in other locations besides downtown businesses and the Cultural Arts Center so that we know what is going on at our arts council? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the arts council and I know that they are doing great things, but I also know that all of those great things need to have a broader outreach.
One of the lasting elements of any culture is its art, and our United Arts Council makes it possible for our community to experience and support the arts in ways not possible without them. Whether it is the fine arts like painting and sculpture or performing arts like dance and theater, we get affordable and even free events to enjoy.
