Special to the Daily News

February is membership month for the Beaufort County Arts Council. Now entering its 41st year of serving the citizens of Beaufort County, the organization has been the county’s most visible advocate for the arts, making sure that art experiences are available to everyone regardless of location, age, or economic status.
Executive director Joey Toler is hopeful that this year’s membership campaign will be one of the best ever.
“Coming off of our 40th anniversary year, now is the time to look to the future to discover how we can better serve our community, ” said Toler. “Over the years we have received so much support from individuals, and it’s my hope that everyone continues to recognize what we bring to Beaufort County and how we add to the quality of life for everyone.”
Memberships range from $25 for a student or individual senior citizen up to $125 and greater for more generous contributors.
“We are obviously grateful for our more generous supporters, but it is really our $25, $40, and $60 members that form the biggest base of our membership,” Toler said. By making memberships affordable, BCAC is able to account for a diverse support base and bring more ideas to the table regarding its programming and outreach, according to Toler.
BCAC is dedicated to promoting and supporting individual artists and arts organizations and businesses by providing exhibition and retail space, funding to individual artists and organizations through the Regional Artists Project Grant and Grassroots Grants of the NC Arts Council, publicity and resources through our website and serving as our community’s leading advocate of the arts as a viable component of economic development.
BCAC invites all current members to renew and hopes that many first-time members will join its mission to support cultural activities throughout Beaufort County.
All current members will receive notices to renew in the mail and those wishing to join BCAC for the first time can call the Arts Council at 252.946.2504 or email beaufortcountyarts@embarqmail.com for information.  Membership information can also be found on the organization’s website at www.beaufortcountyartscouncil.org.