The initial thrust of the Nantucket Arts Council was to create a year-round theater that involved both professional and the community theater. Just as improvements were about to take place at the Straight Wharf Theater, fire struck and demolished the building and removed the initial reason for the Arts Council’s existence.

In the late 70s and early 80s, Nantucket Arts Council, through the guidance of Reggie Levine, produced some very interesting exhibitors at the NHA’s Fair Street Museum and the Main Street Gallery.

In 1994, Nantucket Arts Council began offering grants to non-profit organizations with cultural and artistic programs.

At the turn of the century, the Nantucket Arts Council and the Nantucket Arts Alliance joined forces under the Nantucket Arts Council banner. “It’s a positive change,” said former NAC president Kate Stout, “because it consolidates the volunteer power of like-minded cultural visionaries.” Deborah Beale played a key role in the collaboration and helped shape the large fall arts celebrations and concerts.

Beverly Hall, John Miller, Dan Driscoll, and Reggie Levine led the continuation of the fall Arts Festivals, while Dr. Gerry Mack developed the Downtown Concert Series in partnership with the Nantucket Dreamland. In 2016, Barbara Elder became president and continued the work begun by William Ferrall to help establish the Nantucket Cultural District in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Concerts in the schools continued, and the arts community thrived. Christie Cure was also an important partner to Reggie Levine in supporting the Arts Festivals.

During the Covid pandemic, performances and exhibitions moved online. The Nantucket Arts Council produced videos featuring performers and visual artists and shared them with schools and the wider community. The organization also created grants for individual artists, helping sustain creative work during a difficult and uncertain time.



Today, the Nantucket Arts Council has entered a new chapter by placing its assets under the umbrella of the Community Foundation for Nantucket. Through this partnership, the Arts Council will continue supporting artists and arts organizations on Nantucket through funding opportunities, fiscal sponsorship, and scholarship programs.