By Sally Hunter Jensen, CCAC Membership Director
The Cedar City Arts Council (CCAC) is a small organization that does big things behind the scenes of our community art scene. I am sure that many folks in town are unaware of just what we do! Since becoming the Membership Director, it is my job to answer that question. Our current members see the true value of CCAC—after all, they joined us! I have seen firsthand how our mission inspires incredible programs that champion local creativity, and how important our members are as we work together to conscientiously build Iron County’s arts culture. While the creators of art are the lifeblood of any creative community, CCAC serves as “Arts Central” in Iron County.
Naturally, I spend a lot of time thinking about how to boost our membership. While we have a wonderful, loyal group we can always count on, it’s my job to welcome new faces into the fold.
On the final Friday of June, July, August, and September, you’ll find me sitting at our information booth. “Final Friday Art Walks”—organized and hosted by CCAC—transform downtown Cedar City from 5:00 to 8:00 PM into a vibrant hub where performance artists entertain, visual artists exhibit their work, and creative vendors enjoy free space to sell their wares. I love these afternoons, but I often notice something interesting: most of the conversations I have or overhear are questions about other local groups, like the Orchestra of Southern Utah or the world-famous Utah Shakespeare Festival.
And I get it! It is much easier to explain why you want to seek out and be entertained by a world-class performance or become part of an orchestra than it is to explain why you should support a community arts council by becoming a member.
But here is the exciting truth: CCAC is “Arts Central” for Iron County. We are the connective tissue that makes our local arts scene thrive, and we do it in some pretty incredible ways:
- Your Local Arts Megaphone: We publish a monthly newsletter gathering everything artsy going on in our community into one publication, sharing it far and wide on social media so you never miss a beat. If you’re an artist or arts organization, we make it incredibly easy to get your current project or production highlighted.
- The Ultimate Matchmakers: When a new artist or art lover moves to town, we are the group that welcomes them and answers their questions. Need an accompanist, a bass player, or advice on local performance spaces? We love making those connections.
- Fueling Creative Dreams: We award Mini-Grants twice a year to a highly diverse group of local artists to help them finally paint that mural, design a stained-glass window, write a new piece of music, pay for rehearsal space, or finance a film.
- Party Central: Twice a year, we throw free community socials where absolutely everyone is invited to connect, network, and strengthen our arts culture, one person at a time… all while enjoying some great treats.
- Inspiring the Next Generation: Each fall, we partner with the Heritage Livestock Festival to hold a student art contest complete with ribbons, cash prizes, and an exhibit. We also provide local school-age children with free art supplies and beautiful art kits.
And there is even more to uncover. Visit cedarcityartscouncil.org to further explore our programs and advocacy. Link for membership is under Support.
To be a CCAC member is to support all of the arts in Iron County: all ages, all levels, and all mediums. Becoming a CCAC member is easy and highly affordable:
- Individual Membership: $25
- Family Membership: $35
- Business or Organization: $50
As a member, you’ll receive our monthly newsletter and enjoy exclusive discounts from 21 of our finest local merchants. But honestly, the absolute best perk is sitting at the next Final Friday Art Walk, looking out at the music, the art, and the crowd, and knowing that your membership dollars helped make all of it happen. Let’s face it, the arts make where you live a community, not just a place.