About WAANC
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The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WAANC) began in the early 1980s as a “support group” for local arts councils and their directors. The primary purpose of the organization was to network and to plan cooperative programs, and it was originally known as the Western Arts Councils Organization.
The name of the organization was changed to Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina in 1987 in an attempt to broaden the membership base, as the group wanted to provide services and opportunities to organizations other than just arts councils.
WAANC gained its 501-C-3 tax exempt status in 1989 and revised its by-laws in 1997. Currently, members pay dues based on their annual budget, and program fees are charged for participation in the Mountain Arts Program, block-booking, and traveling visual arts exhibits.
WAANC’s mission is to strengthen the arts community in western North Carolina through peer support, shared resources, and collaborative programming. To accomplish this mission, WAANC works diligently to provide services to member organizations; to provide programs that nurture arts administration professionals within the region; and to provide programs which support the work of local arts organizations.
WAANC’s greatest strength is its ability to share resources through its quarterly business meetings, workshops, up-to-date member directory, and networking opportunities such as its annual retreat. As local agencies deal with geographic isolation, tight economies, and other challenges, WAANC partners come together to offer support, suggestions, technical assistance, and mentoring.
WAANC membership consists of directors of local arts councils and arts agencies in western North Carolina, though there are also a few arts councils’ arts in education coordinators who participate as well. Currently there are approximately seventeen member organizations.
The official leadership of WAANC consists of a traditional structure of officers, committees, and members at large. The Executive Committee serves as the administrative body and includes a President, two Vice Presidents, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The officers are responsible for WAANC’s various administrative duties as follows:
- The President is the point of contact for WAANC and fields all general inquiries and is currently the liaison with WAANC’s webmaster.
- One Vice President coordinates MAP.
- Another Vice President coordinates block-booking and any other special projects as needed.
- The Secretary maintains the membership roster and sends out meeting notices and minutes.
- The Treasurer manages all the finances.
Though not an official program, networking has always been one of WAANC’s greatest strengths. At regular business meetings, the annual retreat, and workshops WAANC members gather to exchange not only their best practices but also a great deal of moral support.