Our History

The Cultural Arts Coalition (CAC) developed as an outgrowth of the Annual Fifth Avenue Arts Festival in 1979. CAC incorporated in 1983 as a not-for-profit organization to use the as vehicle to uplift and educate the community.

During our first year, we presented a summer cultural enrichment youth program at the Thomas Center and a theater production at a local club on NW 5th Avenue.

Since that time, we have produced regular summer programs for at-risk youth, an award winning video on recycling education, intergenerational activities, Kwanzaa celebrations, volunteers in public schools, community exhibits, puzzles, calendars, workshops and newsletters. CAC provides a network of experiences and opportunities for children and adults that link them to themselves and others, to their community, to the nation and to the world. Our understanding of how we link and intermix with other helps us to grow, live and mature.

CAC programs help redirect many at-risk youth toward greater personal growth an responsibility. CAC's programs address social ills of the community and youth involvement in making the community a better place to live. The success of CAC helps to secure alternative experiences for our youth and the community of Alachua County.