The Vermont Arts Council’s mission is to cultivate and advance the arts and creativity throughout Vermont. The Council was designated Vermont’s art agency by statute in 1965, and is the only state arts agency in the US that is also an independent non-profit organization.  

Through our grant programs, outreach, and ongoing collaboration with partners and constituents, the Council works toward a Vermont where everyone has access to the arts and creativity in their lives, education, and communities.

Art and artists are a significant part of Vermont's landscape. Writers and photographers click keyboards and shutters in repurposed barns. Stunning dance performances happen in century-old opera houses and ancient granite quarries. Murals, sculptures, and other public art enliven downtown streets, nature trails and state buildings while an acclaimed cartooning school settles in a downtown. In Vermont, the arts energize vibrant local economies and are an integral part of our lives.

The Council serves as an informational hub for anyone interested in exploring Vermont's arts and culture scene. The Arts Calendar is a great resource for residents and visitors alike to find out about arts and culture happenings across the state.

The Council's outdoor Sculpture Garden in Montpelier feature rotating exhibits by Vermont artists; open 8:30-4:30, Mon-Fri. Visit the Council's website for a complete listing of programs and services and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.