For over fifty years, the Iredell Arts Council has been the heartbeat of creativity in Iredell County. Founded in 1972 by the late James Walker, our organization has championed artistic expression, nurtured local talent, and connected communities through the transformative power of art. As a proud nonprofit, we serve the residents, artists, and creative organizations that make our county vibrant and unique.

Housed in the historic Old Iredell County Jail, our home carries a profound story. Built in 1909, this three-story brick building once held prisoners and served as the residence for the sheriff and his family. It bears the weight of decades of history—pain, struggle, and confinement. Yet today, it stands as a symbol of transformation. Through the energy of art, music, and creativity, this once-solemn space has been reshaped into a hub of inspiration and connection, where ideas flourish and the community comes together.

As the Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, we are part of a statewide network committed to advancing the arts and enriching communities. This partnership allows us to channel resources from the NC Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program, alongside local donations and sponsorships, to support artists, musicians, and cultural events across Iredell County.

At the Iredell Arts Council, we believe in the power of art to connect, heal, and uplift. Every exhibition, performance, and program is an opportunity to inspire creativity and foster belonging. When you engage with or support local art, you help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and creative community—one that honors our past while shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

About the Iredll Arts Council
Front view of a brick apartment building with a set of stairs leading to the entrance, flanked by leafless trees and bushes.
A band performing live on stage with three members playing guitars and a double bass, with a dark backdrop and starry decorations overhead.
Two women viewing and discussing a painting of a person in a room with a staircase, refrigerator, and bookshelf, in an art gallery.
An elderly man with white hair and glasses reading a book at a microphone on a dark stage.
People standing and talking outside the Iredell Arts Council building at night. The building has brick walls and arched windows, with the sign 'Iredell Arts Council' above.
Musicians performing on stage, dressed in vibrant, elaborate costumes including feathered headdresses and animal-themed outfits, with one singing into a microphone, another holding a tambourine, and a third playing a saxophone.
A woman standing behind a display of handmade pottery and flower arrangements at an outdoor market.
A man wearing a white shirt and red sunglasses is painting on a large outdoor canvas with bright colors. He is standing in a wooded area with green grass and trees in the background.
A modern abstract metal sculpture with curved, shiny surfaces and a central hole, situated on a small concrete pad in front of a historic brick building with decorative architectural details and trees.