Cabarrus Arts Council: Building Community Through the Arts
By Avalin Inman
Cabarrus County is a place where creativity thrives, and at the heart of its artistic community is the Cabarrus Arts Council. Leading the charge in fostering the county’s vibrant arts scene is Liz Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Cabarrus Arts Council. Since stepping into her role in January 2022, Liz has been dedicated to building a collaborative arts ecosystem that deeply involves the community, ensuring that art is not just seen but experienced by all.
The Power of Collaboration in Cabarrus County
One of the defining characteristics of the arts in Cabarrus County is its spirit of collaboration. Liz speaks passionately about how this spirit enhances the community’s connection through art. Unlike larger cities with massive arts institutions, Cabarrus County’s arts scene is uniquely driven by its community members. From dedicated volunteers to the voices of the Piedmont Choral Society, local engagement fuels every artistic endeavor at the Arts Council.
“It is our community that makes everything we do possible,” Liz explains. “When you go see the Piedmont Choral Society, it is the voices of our neighbors coming together to sing.”
This direct involvement is what Liz believes makes the county’s arts ecosystem magical. People are not just spectators; they are creators, contributors, and active participants in shaping the cultural fabric of Cabarrus County.
A Community Open to New Ideas and Growth
Cabarrus County is experiencing rapid growth, with new residents bringing their own traditions and cultures to the community. According to Liz, this blend of old and new is what makes the county’s culture so rich.
“We have a real culture of valuing traditions, families, and neighborhoods while also welcoming growth,” she says. “People are coming here because they are attracted to that sense of community, and they bring with them their own ways of connecting.”
Events like the International Festival, the Multicultural Festival, Art Walk on Union, and the Cabarrus County Schools’ Youth Art Month celebration at Gibson Mill exemplify this beautiful fusion of cultures. These events not only highlight the diverse backgrounds of Cabarrus County residents but also provide a space for the entire community to engage with and appreciate the arts together.
The Cabarrus Arts Council is also bringing hands-on arts and music experiences directly to the community, ensuring people of all ages can engage with the arts in familiar and convenient spaces throughout the county. Through its Arts on the Go program, the Arts Council and its partners are working to make creativity more accessible to the community. Instead of requiring families to visit The Galleries in downtown Concord, Arts on the Go meets them where they already gather—at community centers, libraries, and local organizations.
Through partnerships with groups like El Puente, the Logan Recreation Center, and each of the libraries in Cabarrus County, the program visits regularly to deliver high-quality art instruction, music workshops, and interactive craft activities. Every Arts on the Go event is designed to be both fun and inclusive, removing barriers to participation by providing all necessary materials and expert guidance. Whether it’s a child discovering a love for painting or a family enjoying a collaborative creative project, Arts on the Go fosters artistic exploration and connection throughout the community.
Looking Toward the Future
As Cabarrus County continues to grow, Liz envisions an even more connected and thriving arts scene. She sees the future as one where arts are woven into the fabric of daily life—from live music performances at the Davis Theatre and Swanee Theatre to expanding visual arts at Clearwater Arts Center and local galleries.
“We have the opportunity to come out any weekend and see incredible live music or explore our expanding visual arts scene,” Liz notes. “I see a community that is really connected through shared celebrations.”
This vision also includes strengthening partnerships that extend beyond the traditional arts scene. Liz highlights the importance of collaborations with organizations like El Puente and Mental Health America, which use art as a tool for community engagement and healing. Through programs like Art on the Go, the Arts Council is taking hands-on arts experiences directly to communities, ensuring that everyone has access to creative opportunities, regardless of their location.
Public Art and Community Engagement
Liz encourages everyone in Cabarrus County to take advantage of the arts opportunities available to them. Whether it’s visiting the Cabarrus Arts Council, attending a live performance, exploring a new art exhibit, or taking a ceramics class at Clearwater Ceramics Center, there are countless ways for residents to immerse themselves in the arts.
Gather your family and friends and head to downtown Concord for a day of fun at Art Walk on Union, an all-day arts festival celebrating handmade artwork from local artists and makers. Enjoy live music, food trucks, local brews and wines, and special participation from downtown shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop by The Galleries to explore our current exhibition and browse our gift shop featuring artwork from local and regional artists. The next Art Walk takes place on Saturday, April 12 from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
If you have young artists in your life, consider enrolling them in one of Cabarrus Arts Council’s new summer camps: Material Exploration for Young Creatives and Choir Camp for Young Voices. Visit cabarrusartscouncil.org to learn more and register.
“These opportunities are out there for people to engage in,” Liz emphasizes. “We want everyone to experience the power of art in their own way.”
The Role of Philanthropy in the Arts
The work of the Cabarrus Arts Council, like many nonprofits, is made possible through the generosity of the community. Liz recognizes the critical role that organizations like the Greater Cabarrus Foundation play in fostering a spirit of philanthropy.
“The Arts Council, along with other nonprofits, relies on the generosity of our community to do the work we do,” she says. “The foundation’s commitment to fostering philanthropy ensures that organizations like ours can continue to grow and thrive.”
As Cabarrus County evolves, its arts community remains a vital thread in its cultural identity. Thanks to leaders like Liz Fitzgerald and the support of organizations dedicated to the arts, the county is poised for an even brighter future—one that remains deeply connected, vibrantly creative, and open to endless possibilities.
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