ABOUT US
Who Are We?
Situated at the convergence of the Bluegrass and Appalachian regions in Kentucky, the Gateway Regional Arts Center (GRAC) stands as the flagship cultural institution for the area and as a regional artistic hub. Located in historic downtown Mount Sterling, GRAC provides a diverse array of creative and cultural programs catering to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With more than 28,000 annual visitors and participants, our outreach extends across 22 counties in Eastern Kentucky, affirming our role as a significant regional resource.
Vision: All the Arts for All the People
Core Values
Just as the four pillars rise above the Mt. Sterling skyline atop our beautifully ornamented belfry tower, so does GRAC stand firm on the following core values that drive all aspects of our work:
Creativity: We celebrate and nurture artistic expression and innovative thinking, encouraging exploration and discovery in both local and global contexts.
Inclusivity: We embrace diverse perspectives and ensure our programs are accessible to all, fostering a rich, supportive community that empowers individuals through the arts.
Transparency: We operate with openness and integrity in our decision-making and financial practices, building trust through clear and honest communication.
Sustainability: We commit to financial and operational sustainability by ensuring the organization's capacity to effectively manage resources and complete projects, while responsibly engaging with the community for long-term impact.
Mission
The Gateway Regional Arts Center leverages the transformative power of art and culture to address critical community challenges by providing extraordinary creative experiences, sharing local and global perspectives, and promoting the arts as an important solution to holistic well-being. The institution serves as a flagship hub of arts & cultural education for Central and Eastern Kentucky, and aims to foster civic dialogue through creative and artistic activities that are accessible to all people, honoring the rich diversity of voices in our rural communities.
The Cay R. Lane Events Series: GRAC organizes a variety of cultural events including art exhibitions, musical performances, theatrical productions, youth and family activities, poetry readings, film screenings, and interdisciplinary programs. Our mission is to offer diverse, engaging, and enriching experiences that celebrate global and local arts and cultures. By presenting a wide range of programming, we aim to inspire insight, foster connections, and promote social change through enhanced perspectives.
The Eastern Kentucky Academy for Visual, Performing, and Literary Arts: The Academy provides accessible and affordable educational opportunities across various art forms such as dance, music, theater, visual arts, foodways, literary arts, and digital arts. With experienced instructors, our goal is to facilitate skill development and artistic expression for individuals at all levels, celebrating human creativity and cultural heritage.
The Small Town America Institute for the Rural Arts and Culture: This think tank supports artists and arts organizations in the region by offering resources including academic papers, practical guides, and affordable consultations. Our mission is to provide advocacy and guidance, empowering local arts organizations to thrive and enrich their communities through robust support and education.
Downtown Museum & Cultural Center: Our facility preserves and celebrates local and regional cultural heritage through its exhibits and programs, integrating global perspectives for citizens of Central and Eastern Kentucky to enjoy. Admission remains free, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and community engagement. As a cornerstone of the community, our physical space in a historic former church inspires curiosity and promotes cultural awareness through its myriad artistic opportunities.
Core Divisions
GRAC is integral to the cultural fabric of Kentucky's Gateway Region, offering extensive opportunities for artistic discovery and participation. We support local artists and partner with area organizations, fostering community engagement and creative placemaking that contributes to the growth and vitality of our local communities.
Our History
A rich legacy of arts & culture in Small Town America
Founded in 1991, the non-profit Montgomery County Council for the Arts is dedicated to promoting the arts and artists in Mt. Sterling and surrounding communities through programs and opportunities at its Gateway Regional Arts Center. It is supported by state and federal funding from the Kentucky Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts as well as donations from friends of the arts.
We have grown from a simple storefront gallery in 1997 to a 12,000 square foot multicultural center supported by dedicated membership of more than 300 individuals. The uniquely transformed building that has been a part of Mt. Sterling for generations as the former First United Methodist Church and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With the support of local and state government agencies, the Montgomery County Council for the Arts purchased the building in 2002 and began an ambitious $1.3 million renovation that was made possible with federal and state grants and the generosity of many local businesses and individuals.
It formally opened on September 19, 2009.
This mosaic, with the 2003 Governor’s Award in the Arts sculpture as its centerpiece, is found in the vestibule of the Gateway Regional Arts Center.
The resulting three-floor arts center now provides a large public performance hall, art gallery, gift shop, arts resource library, visual arts classrooms, music rehearsal rooms, artists studio space, offices and basement which includes a small performance cafe, dressing rooms and a pottery studio.
Throughout the year, the Gateway Regional Arts Center provides art shows in its main gallery, as well as a variety of offerings in music, theater, and other visual arts.
A Leading Organization for Arts & Culture in Kentucky
The Gateway Regional Arts Center has long been recognized for its distinct contributions to the rich cultural heritage of the Gateway region.
In 2003, the Montgomery County Council for the Arts was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Award in the Arts. Receiving the Community Arts Award, MCCA joined a short list of renowned cultural institutions in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
To read the full feature on MCCA from the Governor’s Awards Banquet, click here.
