The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County celebrated “50 Years of Color” last night at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Over 200 people filled the venue as the organization celebrated this historic milestone. Guests were treated to an assortment of foods, live music, and a joint performance from the Fayetteville Symphony and Cape Fear Regional Theatre. 

The night ended with the reveal of the Arts Council’s expanded footprint in Downtown Fayetteville in its new ARTS XLerator.  Located in the armory building of the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Company (FILI) just off Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville. ARTS XL is a hub designed to nurture and empower the growth of artists and arts organizations. 

“Part of what we hope is to use that multi use space for the cultural community for individual artists to be able to come into the downtown, and use it as an economic engine into our downtown, [to] bring it as a tourist piece to bring tourism and visitors into Fayetteville into the heart of the downtown and kind of see who we are,” shared Arts Council President and CEO Robert Pinson. 

ARTS XL will provide a supportive environment with resources specifically tailored to the needs of artists and arts organizations across various disciplines. Key features of ARTS XL will include: collaborative work environments, professional development opportunities, and expanded exhibit and performance spaces.  

“This opportunity presented itself right before Christmas and it's something that our board has been taking a look at. But we really see that ability to live into our strategic plan, to support the community, provide the community some things to fill some of these voids and continue to grow,” said Pinson. 

This new facility will be an addition to the Arts Council’s office spaces, and they will retain their current home at 301 Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville. 

The Arts Council revealed the proposed branding for ARTS XL on Thursday evening. The project is anticipated to launch in January 2025.