Since 1966, the Carthage Council on the Arts has been the connective thread tying together the music, theater, visual art, and cultural life of our city. Sixty years on, we’re just getting started.
The Carthage Council on the Arts is a nonprofit dedicated to the education, promotion, encouragement, and development of cultural art and educational activities in Carthage, Missouri, and the surrounding area — bringing structure, visibility, and support to the creative energy of our community.
Six decades in, that work is more active than ever. In 2025 alone, we helped present the Art Central Día de los Muertos Festival, installed two new public sculptures, secured a national traveling exhibit for 2027, and kept live music free in Central Park.
Today, we’re entering a renewed chapter: modernizing how we operate, reconnecting our arts community, and making it easier than ever for residents to take part.
Our signature event. Free concerts on the third Saturday of June, July, and August, featuring local artists across a range of genres — right here in the park.
We help bring public sculptures, special exhibits, and nationally traveling shows to Carthage — and invest in the next generation of artists through scholarships.
CCA works hand-in-hand with the organizations that make Carthage’s arts scene what it is. We’re not here to compete with the city’s creative groups. We’re here to connect and amplify them.
artCentral is a nonprofit arts organization in Carthage, Missouri dedicated to promoting, teaching, and fostering an appreciation for the fine arts
The Theatre is dedicated to promoting, facilitating, and supporting the performing arts in Southwest Missouri and the Four-States Area.
Whether you want to perform, partner, volunteer, or just enjoy a summer evening of live music — we’d love to have you.
