WELCOME TO THE ARTS COUNCIL OF KANAWHA VALLEY website! Whether you are an artist, a member of an arts organization, or someone who just loves the arts, we hope you’ll find our website an informative, useful resource that you will use often.
The Arts Council of Kanawha Valley (ACKV) was formed in the fall of 2009 to support, promote, and advocate for artists and arts agencies from Charleston, West Virginia to Huntington to Beckley and everywhere in between. By Celebrating the Arts and Connecting Communities the ACKV’s goal is to enhance the quality of life in the Kanawha Valley through the arts.
The Arts Council of Kanawha Valley grew out of the Kanawha Valley Cultural Plan, funded by The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. A steering committee comprising members of arts organizations, individual artists, community and business leaders, and educators developed the plan over a two year period, getting extensive input from the community through public meetings, individual interviews, focus groups and task forces. The Arts Council was created to implement the Plan’s recommendations and to facilitate cooperation and collaboration within Kanawha Valley’s rich, diverse arts community.
OUR WEBSITE: A Handy Toolbox for artists and friends
Do you want to find out the ‘arts doings’ in the Kanawha Valley for your own enjoyment or plan your own event…the ACKV Events Calendar is extensive and current, a valuable networking tool.
Do you want people to hire or commission you to write a book, paint a portrait, animate a film, act in a play, dance on a tabletop, etc…the ACKV Artist Registry is a powerful promotional tool.
Do you want to perform or display your work, but don’t know the best location for your purpose…the ACKV Venue Information site is an essential informational tool.
Using our website as a vehicle, the Arts Council of Kanawha Valley wants to help artists realize their hopes and dreams.
GOALS
- Market the area as a cultural destination
- Engage the cultural community with the regional education system
- Engage the business community with the arts and cultural community
- Ensure and promote history in facilities and housing
- Create and manage an events calendar
General Inquiries: Naomi Bays, Chair naomi@artskv.org
Become a supporter of our programs:
Snail Mail:
Arts Council of Kanawha Valley
P.O. Box 1029
Charleston, WV 25324
Office Visits by appointment:
229 Capitol St. Charleston, WV 25301
@ArtsCouncilKV
Become a Fan!
Currently the Board of Directors consists of:
Chair– Naomi Bays- Artist, Public Art Chair of FestivALL Charleston, Owner of ArtGawk
Vice-Chair– Mel Hoover - Reverend at Unitarian Universalists Congregation
Treasurer– Susie Salisbury – VP of Community Development at Charleston Area Alliance, Board member of Capitol Market
Secretary– Patricia McGill- retired Executive Director of West Side Main Street Program
Margaret Lieberman – Director of Fund for the Arts, Instructor at the River City Youth Ballet Ensemble
Karan Ireland - Writer
Frieda Forsley - Actor, Artistic Director of Charleston Stage Company
Judy Wellington – President & CEO at Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences
Adam Bryan – Director of Alban Theatre, Actor
WV Symphony Orchestra members – Betty King, Scott Dodson
Marketing Committee:
Karan Ireland - Chair
Delford Chaffin
Megan Bullock
Lucy Allara
Laurel Kirksey
Alex Morgado
John Auge
Brian Jarrell
Scott Jackson
Frieda Forsley
If you are interested in actively participating on a board, committee or task force, please email us.
