Organization

Atlantic Center for the Arts is a nonprofit multidisciplinary artist residency facility and vibrant cultural hub dedicated to enriching lives through the transformative power of the arts. Located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, ACA serves artists and the broader community through an innovative blend of artist residencies, educational programming, and public engagement. Rooted in the vision of founder Doris Leeper, ACA fosters creativity at the intersection of artistic practice and the natural environment, emphasizing exploration, collaboration, and personal growth. ACA’s programs span a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, and creative writing, creating a dynamic platform for artistic exchange and experimentation.

Founded in 1977, ACA has developed a national and international reputation for its interdisciplinary residency program, which brings together emerging and established artists to work closely with distinguished Master Artists in an intensive, mentorship-based setting. These residencies encourage collaboration across disciplines and provide artists with the time, space, and resources to pursue new work in a supportive, immersive environment. Complementing its residency programs, ACA offers exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community initiatives that extend its impact beyond resident artists to local audiences and participants of all ages and backgrounds. ACA also offers specialized residencies, such as its Soundscape program in partnership with Canaveral National Seashore, which invites artists to explore the intersection of sound, environment, and place.

ACA’s campus is thoughtfully designed to support both artistic creation and community engagement. The main facility includes administrative offices totaling approximately 1,734 square feet, alongside a public gallery of over 9,000 square feet that hosts rotating exhibitions. Additional core spaces include a library, commons with dining and kitchen facilities, and a range of specialized studios dedicated to painting, sculpture, music, dance, and writing. The campus also features a 3,388-square-foot black box theater for performances and presentations, as well as a fieldhouse that serves as a communal gathering and meeting space. Residential components are integral to the ACA experience, with associate housing units, artist cottages, and a caretaker’s house supporting on-site living for artists and staff.

Set within a unique natural environment, ACA’s physical setting plays a central role in its mission. ACA emphasizes the connection between artistic expression and the surrounding landscape, encouraging artists to draw inspiration from and engage with nature as part of their creative process. This integration of environment and art reflects ACA’s core values: nurturing the creative spirit, recognizing the powerful relationship between the arts and nature, and supporting artists as catalysts for innovation and cultural vitality. ACA’s work is further strengthened by its National Council, a distinguished group of artists, cultural leaders, and advocates who support the organization’s vision and help expand its national presence within the arts community.

Through its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, artistic excellence, and community engagement, Atlantic Center for the Arts continues to serve as a vital cultural resource. Its programs not only advance individual artistic practice but also foster broader connections between artists and the public, reinforcing the role of the arts as a meaningful and accessible force in everyday life. Together with the leadership and advocacy of the National Council, ACA continues to champion creativity, cultural exchange, and the transformative role of the arts in society.

ACA has a 23-member board of trustees led by Chair Nancy Tallent. The Executive Director oversees a staff of 10, including the Arts on Douglas Gallery Director and the Residency and Community Programs Manager. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, ACA's financial statements reported total revenue of $2.5 million, with 52% from earned revenue sources and 48% from contributions. The budgeted revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, is $2.1 million, including 55% from contributions and 45% from earned revenue sources.

Sources: edited from atlanticcenterforthearts.org; propublica.org