Our mission is to represent and support excellence in the arts in Onslow County and to encourage and promote the development of the arts in the schools and in the community.

Founded in 1976, the Council for the Arts offers year round exhibitions, concerts and performances in both literary and visual arts. Workshops for children and adults are conducted in our building. We also serve as a ticket center for other agencies. Soup in a Bowl, our signature event, is a much anticipated afternoon of fellowship.

In 1977 , the Council established the first "Arts by the Sea." and the Council also coordinated the Arts & Craft section of the "Pepsi Heritage Festival" for four years.

In 1981 the Council started the Arts in the Schools Program, our purpose is to provide students an opportunity to enjoy professional artists, literary and performing artists.This program is funded by the Onslow County Commissioners.

In 1995, the Special Schools Performances were established; these performances showcase professional ballet, opera and theatre for the1st, 2nd and 3rd graders in the county.

The Arts Council building, located in downtown Jacksonville, houses our offices, meeting rooms, lending library with over 400 books and gift shops where you can find affordable hand crafted art, pottery, stained glass, jewelry, and textiles. We are wheelchair accessible.