2002

May 2002:

The Arts Council of the Lower Cape Fear (ACLCF) ceased operations. The Council was burdened with debts created by failure of a previous administration to pay employee taxes. Revenues were impacted by declining income from the annual fall Piney Woods Festival and the withdrawal of both City and County support during a national economic downturn.

September 2002:

The Wilmington City Council appointed The Arts and Cultural Affairs Task Force. The Task Force was co-chaired by Rhonda Bellamy and Susan Dankel. Serving on the Task Force were Norman Bemelmans, Gilbert Burnett, Frank Carter, Julie Cook, Francine DeCoursey, Rob Gerlach, Judith Grizzel, Louise McColl, Leeanne Milkes, Dorothy Nesbitt, Clancy Thompson, Lela Thompson, Griffen Weld, Owen Wexler, Jennifer Wright, and Connie Yow. The Task Force identified and surveyed eight sectors of the community as interested stakeholders. Issues and recommendations were developed and prioritized.

2004

The Birth of the Greater Wilmington Arts & Cultural Alliance (GWACA) and Interim Governing Board

February-June 2004:

Worked with Cape Fear Museum to jointly manage Grassroots Arts Grants. A total of $40,968 was awarded to 16 arts organizations and the Regional Artists Grant program.

April 2004:

GWACA formalizes leadership

The Interim IGB nominated and elected the following officers: Chair, Bruce Bowman; Secretary, Ruth Haas; Treasurer, Tony Rivenbark. The following committee co-chairs were confirmed: Long Range Planning - Owen Wexler & Richard Sceiford; Membership - Tracy Varga & Tony Rivenbark; Fundraising - Julie Cook & Norman Bemelmans; Marketing - Merrimon Kennedy & TBD

May 2004:

Formulated and approved Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws; developed strategic plan and strategically cultivated volunteer Board of Directors.

July 2004:

Designed and launched GWACA web site (www.gwaca.org)

2005

February- 2005:

Established an office at Cape Fear Museum with a part time administrative assistant responsible for record keeping and communications.

March 2005:

GWACA Letter of Intent

Fourteen individuals, who had been the informal organizers of the January 15 event, signed a Letter of Intent to formalize the intent to create a 501c3 not-for-profit entity for the support of arts and cultural activities in the greater Wilmington community. Signers were: Julie Cook, Norman Bemelmans, Bruce Bowman, Jennifer Czechlewski, Susan Dankel, Frank Funk, Ruth Haas, Merrimon Kennedy, Sherrie Lyons, Richard Sceiford, Tony Rivenbark, Tracy Varga, Owen Wexler, and Jennifer Wright. Jennifer Larimer worked with this group as City Staff Liaison. The group agreed to a regular planning meeting schedule, to launch a membership program, to complete requirements for 501c3 status, and to pursue marketing and fundraising opportunities.

2005

Applied for 501(c)3 status.

2005

Provided three training workshops for writing and managing state grants.

2006

February 2006:

Received 501(c)3 approval from the federal government.

October 2005-June 2006:

Sponsored monthly networking opportunities to promote communication among the arts and cultural community. Different information was provided each month to educate participants about aspects of the arts and cultural community. October – Survey of training interests;
November – Participating in festivals;
December – Social with musical and artistic sampling;
January – Community Arts Center Plans;
March – Improv Theater & plans for Thalian Hall;
April – Criteria for choosing art for gallery business

March 2006:

Applied in partnership with Cape Fear Museum to administer the Grassroots Arts Grants for FY07.

March 2006:

Submitted application to manage Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center for the City of Wilmington.

April 2006:

Worked in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to survey membership and identify continuing education interests. GWACA will promote the Business SmARTS for the Arts training opportunities offered at UNCW’s Division for Public Service.

August 2006:

Hosting four events for the public: October 10, 2006 “A Night at the Museum”; December 12, 2006 “Second Annual Arty Party”; March 13, 2007 “State of the Arts”; June 12, 2007

September 2006:

Supporting upcoming fall SmArts for the Arts programs hosted by UNCW Public Service.