Arts Council
  of Big Bear Valley
               
      The Voice of the Arts
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History & Mission
Like the arts themselves, the Arts Council has evolved during its 20-year history. The group was originally organized in 1988 as the Friends of the Performing Arts Center, to raise funds for the newly completed – you guessed it – Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center. In 1995, the group renamed itself Friends of the Arts to reflect its expanded mission of supporting all the arts, and in 1998, the "Friends" became the Arts Council of Big Bear Valley.

Over the years, the Arts Council has donated over $20,000 to the PAC to upgrade sound and lighting equipment, and has established art programs in the middle and elementary schools.  We also embarked on a year-long program called "The Magic of Music", in which we had donated instruments refurbished and gave them to local schools.  In addition, we purchased nearly $10,000 in new instruments for the High School music program.

Introducing students to live theater has always been a favorite project of ours. We’ve done this by hiring performers to do in-school programs, and by bringing students to the PAC to enjoy educational entertainment we've booked there.

The Big Bear Valley is fortunate to have some music and art in our schools, since many Districts have eliminated the arts completely.  The Council works to augment existing resources and produce special programs for children, such as the "Young Artists' Gallery" at Art on the Lake each year. We also underwrite the guitar program at Chautauqua High School – the first music classes in their nine-year history. 

Although it certainly is the most important work we do, our efforts have not been solely directed at students. We have also brought culturally enriching programs to the Valley at large, namely the "Universal Ballet" from Seoul, Korea and the Vienna Boys' Choir. 

The occasional grant we obtain helps immensely, but we are largely dependent on our members’ support to accomplish what we do. To become a member, please visit our Support the Arts! page.

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