Will Davidson, Director

Sarah Sharpe, Director

Our Purpose

• To encourage, promote, and sponsor the arts;
• To sponsor an annual concert series on a subscription basis
• To provide resources and contacts to other sponsors in the community
• To stimulate the development of local talent

History and Projects

Woodstock Arts Council began in 1979, and through community fundraising purchased a 9 foot Yamaha Concert Grand Piano in 1982. The piano was donated to the School District and is located in the McCain Community Theatre at Woodstock High School. The Arts Council maintains a fund to oversee the annual upkeep of the piano, which is used for community performances and in conjunction with the Carleton County Music Festival.

Initially, many WAC volunteers were involved in the Carleton County Music Festival and although it now has its own volunteer organizing committee, the CCMF has been under the umbrella of Woodstock Arts Council for decades and the relationship remains strong.

Throughout the 1980’s, WAC presented an annual concert series at Woodstock High School, featuring many notable artists from across Canada including the Canadian Brass, John Kimura-Parker, Angela Hewitt, and many others. The Arts Council continued to support presentations of the performing arts in conjunction with community groups such as the Carleton County Players and Funstage throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, and is a longtime sponsor of the Dooryard Arts Festival. WAC also sponsors an annual bursary for a graduating student at WHS involved with the arts.

In 2023, the Woodstock Arts Council and River Valley Arts Alliance began to explore opportunities for strategic collaboration, and in June 2024, four new directors joined the Board of Woodstock Arts Council: Amy Anderson, Alie Ross, Will Davidson, Sarah Sharpe.

Currently, this volunteer-based board is focused on succession and long-term sustainability, and are looking at how Woodstock Arts Council can build on its legacy as a community arts builder and funder in the Woodstock area. We would welcome your support!

Click the image below to read a section on the history of competive music festivals in Carleton County.