About Us

Our Mission

Gaylord Area Council for the Arts mission is “to nurture and promote a creative community by facilitating, sharing and encouraging individual expression through the art. For nearly 50 years we have been able to add new exhibits that support local artists, and programs and activities that meet the interest of our community. This in turn has supported the economic development of our community by helping to attract residents and tourists, while encouraging new businesses to locate here.

GACA's History

1972 – 1986

Hoping to bring artistic and cultural activities to Otsego County and surrounding area, a group of artists and art lovers established the Gaylord Area Council for the Arts (GACA) in 1972. GACA was granted its 501(c)3 status in 1986. For many years GACA did not have a home; rather the office moved around depending on where we could find office space at no or very low cost. Consequently, we were essentially a performing arts organization, organizing local concerts for such groups as the Detroit and Grand Rapids Symphonies, the Michigan Opera, jazz and Dixieland groups, among others. In addition, drama productions and dance concerts were made possible through funds from businesses, corporations, memberships, patrons, grants and sponsors.

2000

In the early 2000’s GACA rented some retail space in downtown Gaylord and turned it into our first permanent art gallery. We applied for and were awarded grants from MCACA and other organizations to help support the art gallery and other activities, such as a children’s summer arts camp. GACA began sponsoring several art exhibits on a year-round basis, including an annual juried fine-art show. We hired our first part-time staff person to assist with this increase in activities.

2010

In 2010, due to falling revenue and a decrease of grant funding, GACA was forced to lay off our part-time staff person and cut back on many activities and programs. A group of dedicated volunteers began to run the Art Center, in lieu of paid staff. In 2011, the Board began undergoing an annual strategic planning process, with written and measurable goals and objectives. Members of the Board were assigned various areas to work on and be accountable for. This process continues to the present time.

2015

In 2015, we hired another part-time contracted employee (Arts Manager) to assist with our ever growing and expanding reach within the local and regional arts community. In 2017, after the Arts Coordinator left, we were able to hire a part-time Administrative Assistant to help with the increasing work load engendered by GACA’s ever expanding programs and events.

2020 – Present

In 2020, the contracted Arts Manager retired, and we hired a half-time Executive Director who has extensive experience in providing virtual and in-person educational programming for individuals of all ages. We are currently in our strategic planning process, which will determine the direction of the organization for the next 3 years.