MartinArts mission is to inspire participation and passion for the arts in our community. We believe the arts have a pivotal role in shaping the way we see the world, how we express ourselves and how we connect with one another. We envision a vibrant and flourishing community within Stuart and Martin County, where arts and culture are integrated into all aspects of life.
The arts act as a catalyst for economic growth, enhancing tourism, creating jobs, and boosting local commerce. Through events, exhibitions, and public art initiatives, MartinArts helps create a dynamic cultural scene that enriches the community and strengthens the area's economy.
MartinArts has served our community since 1980 and as the local arts agency since 1986. With roots in our community, we strive to support the arts sector through advocacy, promotion, research, community planning and programming. Our focus on arts education is core to who we are as we know that through those efforts, we are working to secure an audience for generations in the future. We are housed in a county-owned historic building (formerly the county's first courthouse) the Court House Cultural Center (CHCC). Located in historic downtown Stuart, this venue gives us the opportunity to provide cultural experiences for both locals and visitors.
We serve two primary audiences: creators and spectators. Creators include artists, teachers, arts organizations, and venues who work in the visual arts, fine crafts, performing arts, literary arts, and digital media arts. Spectators include leaders in government/politics and the general public which includes visitors, seniors, students, youth, parents and the business community.
- Programs & Services Summary: Programs at the Court House Cultural Center: Fine Art Exhibits, Sunset Concerts at the Gallery, Arts Education and Professional Development Workshops and Lectures
- Celebrations of Why the Arts Matter: ArtsFest, MartinArts Awards, Marvin S. Cone High School Juried Art Show, Plein Air Arts Day, Cultural Conversations, Eco-Art Initiatives
- Promoting the Arts: Scholarships & Awards for Students, Grants & Fellowships for Artists & Cultural Organizations, Online Community Cultural Calendar & Artist Registry, and Collaborations with Local Businesses, Venues & Artists to bring new opportunities to life
MartinArts values and celebrates the unique qualities of persons with diverse backgrounds and cultures. It is believed that inclusiveness adds to the organizational excellence when tapping the skills, talents, and resources of people of diversity. MartinArts will actively promote respect for persons of different race, creed, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, education, economic position, and ancestry. MartinArts will uphold the fundamental directives of equality and access to the arts for all.
The Arts Council Inc., DBA MartinArts, is a private, non-profit organization with a 501(c)3 status through the IRS. MartinArts is supported in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts & Culture, the City of Stuart, Martin County Board of County Commissioners and private contributions.
