ACA organizes many programs for artists of all ages and professional levels.
Founded in 1977 by Doris Leeper, an internationally known sculptor and painter, as well as a visionary environmentalist, Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) is a non-profit multidisciplinary artist residency facility located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Please visit History of ACA and Locations for more information.
Mentoring Artist-in-Residence Program
The Mentoring Artist Residency was the core program at our founding, and it has served over 3,500 emerging and mid-career artists from many disciplines. The residency is unique in that it is a mentoring program that couples prominent Mentoring Artists with selected Associate Artists for three-week periods. Since residencies are process-based, and not product-driven, time can be spent on previously existing projects, on new experiments, or on collaborations. The residency is also unique in that it focuses on creating conversations and the sharing of ideas between three disciplines per program, which can include visual artists, writers, dancers, and musicians as well as many other types of art. ACA believes that the spirit and challenges of being an artist are shared by all disciplines and that we can learn much from coming together, sharing our work and ideas, and collaborating on projects.
Community Arts and Wellness Initiative
ACA has launched an innovative Community Arts and Wellness Initiative with the support of The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation that focuses on bringing artists with an arts and wellness based practice to New Smyrna Beach. ACA works with a wide range of artists and partners to establish an ongoing dynamic initiative that aims to increase the health and wellness of patients, artists, and caregivers.
Community Programs
ACA also has a focus on our community. Programs include a popular Children’s Art Camp, Artist Lectures, Exhibitions, Community Artist in-Residence Events, Images: A Festival for the Arts and Volunteer Opportunities.
Enjoy a photo spot at events, provided by Showtime Photo Booth.
Internship Program
Atlantic Center for the Arts internship program provides residential and non-residential opportunities for year-round learning experiences in arts administration to college students or graduates, with a variety of specialization options.
Atlantic Center for the Arts loves working with students, and ACA’s Executive Director Jennifer McInnes Coolidge was pleased to talk about ACA’s programs, history, and vision with Daytona State College student Jakson Zappiteli on the student-led production “Out and About: Central Florida” on WDSC TV 15. View video here.
Facility Rentals
ACA is available for many types of rental opportunities. Many privately organized workshops have been held here for many types of art. Groups have organized events and performances in our theater space, and even designed their own private retreats and residencies that are tailored to their own interests and outcomes. Other programs and retreats can also be held here as well, such as Weddings, Parties, and Corporate Retreats.
Support
ACA has become the internationally respected organization that it is because of support from our community and help from hundreds of volunteers. There are many ways to help and take part and be an essential member of our supporting community.
Becoming a member is the easiest way to show your support for the organization. Your annual membership will help support all of our programs that provide excellent artistic experiences to New Smyrna Beach, the greater Orlando area, the United States and the world!
You can also support ACA by attending fundraising events including our annual auction Horsin’ Around, and an annual open house, ACA Exposed. These events are designed to be fun, informative, and socially engaging for all supporters and lovers of the arts.
If you interested in volunteering your time to the organization, ACA has many ways you can be involved. Volunteers are the backbone of any successful nonprofit, and volunteering your time will help ensure ACA can move forward with strength and distinction on in its programming endeavors.
Finally, you can support ACA by sharing our events and mission with your friends and family. You can join our mailing list, become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our YouTube channel. We would like everyone to know about the exciting programs that happen here, and everything you share helps.
Registered Charities
Atlantic Center for the Arts, Inc. Registration Number with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – CH3434
Images, A Festival of the Arts, Inc. Registration Number with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – CH36836
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE, OR ONLINE AT Consumer Services. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Atlantic Center for the Arts has achieved the 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency on GuideStar! Visit our profile