ACAC began in August of 2001. We received nonprofit 501(c)3 status in May of 2002 and since then have been devoted to the growth of the cooperative through member recruitment, fundraising activities, art and music benefits, and community outreach.Since then, ACAC has enlisted more than 150 artists, musicians, and supporters as official members. Starting with zero funds, we have raised over $4,500 in profit in our three fiscal years and plan to have more than $10,000 in reserves by the end of 2006.
The ACAC offers art education classes, open to the public, which are free or have a nominal fee. The ACAC’s “Community Skills Workshops,” a series of workshops led by specialized volunteers is one important way the ACAC continues to provide art resources and education.
The ACAC has offered opportunities for children to create a mosaic stepping-stone walkway through the Dunbar Community Garden. The Cooperative also completed a public mural depicts the ACAC mission to support the creative arts located in the North Little Rock Riverfront District.
The ACAC has hosted three series of free films. The Arkansas Documentary Film Festival and Spaghetti Western Film Festival were two of the themes.
ACAC has provided a process by which members can get together and discuss the workings and plans of the cooperative. Membership meetings and bi-weekly board meetings are important ways that the members discuss, debate, and plan the activities and strategies of the cooperative. These meetings keep the organization accountable to its members, and therefore to the larger community.
ACAC’s fundraising events have also provided a creative outlet for the community. The Rock n’ roll Bingo, Community Art Sales, Fashion Shows, Drag Show, “Great Halloween Cover-Up” series, and the “Mayhem at Murray” summer music festival have provided temporary spaces where young and low-income artists have the space to enjoy themselves, create, and network.
