The mission of the arts council, inc. , serving northeast georgia, is to enhance, educate and expand public interest in the arts.

Performances/visual arts include several series each year as well as various other programs. The arts council signature series consists of indoor concerts held throughout the year. This program has been recognized in and by the community for outstanding quality performances and performers for over 33 years. The arts council's jazz series, referred to as "evenings of intimate jazz", includes monthly concerts held inside the arts council smithgall arts center from january through may. The summer musicfest is a series of outdoor concerts during the summer months at the smithgall arts center's amphitheatre. Other programs include arts in schools, ais festival, smithgall arts center exhibitions, artists with disabilities exhibits, student exhibits, and many other programs. the members of the arts council, inc. Include individuals, businesses, and affiliate art organizations. The arts council, inc. Maintains a comprehensive arts calendar which is published in periodic newsletters and e-blasts with links to the affiliate art organizations on the arts council website. In addition, the smithgall arts center is available to affiliate arts organizations for box office services and to showcase portions of their current exhibitions. The council also provides an artist job bank for artists and for the community and provides information to artists concerning shows/competitions/conferences. The council also co-sponsors several events with affiliate arts organizations. The council staff provides other support services as needed to affiliates. the arts council continues to renovate and operate the arts council performing arts complex, formerly the historic first methodist church/westminister presbyterian church on green street in gainesville, ga. The structure was built in 1906, and the property consists of three buildings including a sanctuary under renovation to be converted into a 500-seat performing arts center, educational building and a former parsonage to house affiliate art organizations and for arts programming and community development.