The Arts Center

Mission: To enrich the quality of life in McMinn County by providing opportunities for the expression and appreciation of the arts.

In 1979, a few community members sat in “the room where it all started.” It was a living room. There were probably snacks. And they talked about how the arts could bring “an exciting new face of life” for Athens. As they tried to look into the future, they couldn’t possibly know that one day, there would be an arts center in Athens. Maybe a few had that vision. Would any of them have dreamed of six theatre productions a year? Could any of them imagine the impact on an entire generation of artists, performers, and supporters? Kids who grew up with the arts as a given because this group didn’t just sit and dream up these wonderful ideas; they made them happen. And they started with a charter and a name: Athens Area Council for the Arts (AACA).

The Athens Area Council for the Arts (AACA) offers a variety of programs and events aimed at fostering artistic expression and appreciation within McMinn County. We organize performances, exhibitions, and educational workshops that engage the community in both visual and performing arts. Our activities range from concerts and theater productions to art galleries and classes for all ages. The council also collaborates with schools and local organizations to provide arts education, ensuring that the community has access to creative outlets and cultural experiences.

In addition to these initiatives, AACA runs the “Black Box Theatre,” which hosts performances and events, and manages art exhibitions that feature local and regional artist.