The Vermont Arts Council was founded in 1964 on a simple and powerful premise: that the arts enrich lives, expand minds, and form a vital thread in the fabric of Vermont community life. 

The Council fosters classical, traditional, and emerging forms of artistic expression. It finds enduring ways to make the arts a part of all Vermont communities, bringing inspiration to Vermont citizens and visitors in every corner of the state. It advocates for and supports the arts as a central part of education for all people.

The Council functions as a community partner and a catalyst for artists and organizations. It offers professional development opportunities and technical advice, collects and disseminates arts information, and acts as the state's foremost arts advocate. It is a grass-roots organization with statewide trustees elected from and by its membership. 

As the only not-for-profit state arts agency in the country, the Vermont Arts Council is uniquely qualified to unite both public and private resources to serve the following mission: To advance and preserve the arts at the center of Vermont communities.