The Arts Council of Wayne County

Welcome to The Arts Council of Wayne County, a vibrant hub for local and regional art forms. Our gallery space and studios showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to engage with the community.

Our History

The Arts Council of Wayne County was formed in November 1963. The organization as we know it today is the result of a merger between the Community Arts Council and the Goldsboro Art League. This merger was accomplished during 1980-1981 and was a move on the part of both organizations to coordinate all arts programs more efficiently and economically.

Beginning in January 2001, the Arts Council occupied a facility on the corner of Ash Street and Spence Avenue in Goldsboro, NC. This property allowed a spacious gallery downstairs with classroom and office space upstairs. The grounds contained a sloping lawn and pond where social gatherings and creative performances were offered to the public.

New opportunities eventually became available and in August 2011, the Arts Council leased a location at 102 N. John Street. A generous Main Street Solutions grant enabled building renovation to include an elevator and first-floor Gallery and Art Market spaces. The second floor housed an additional Gallery, music and art classrooms, artist studios, and staff offices.

In 2022, the Arts Council faced an unexpected shift in circumstances, prompting the need to find a new location. During this transitional period, operations continued across several off-site venues as efforts were made to secure a new home. Thanks to the ongoing generosity of local businesses and individuals, the Arts Council remained active and continued serving the community through both traditional programming and creative new approaches.

After extensive planning and preparation, the doors of the Arts Council's new home were opened in the summer of 2023 at 139 W. Walnut Street in downtown Goldsboro. This ground level space features a high ceiling with four arched windows permitting radiant natural daylight. Originally the Wayne National Bank and erected in 1923, one of this building's many attractions is an imposing steel vault with a two foot thick circular door. The Arts Council's multi-functional floorplan includes the popular Borden Family Art Market, Main Gallery and Lou Ann Bryan Smith Youth Gallery areas, versatile educational options, and office workspace. Artist Studios can be found a few blocks away at 213 E. Walnut St. in downtown Goldsboro.

The Arts Council of Wayne County has been providing the community opportunities to learn and engage with the arts in its various forms for many years and is looking forward to continuing a respected tradition of creative exploration and growth.