SHAKORI HILLS COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER INC

Raising a multi-use building (dance hall/classroom space/indoor concert venue) and establishing a Folk Arts School at Shakori Hills by expanding our partnerships with local artists’, crafters’ guild, and the larger community.

Every year we try to earmark funds, beyond our operating expenses, to raise a down payment towards our goal. Once this down payment is raised, we will develop and carry out a capital fundraising campaign. We learned a lot when we raised funds for our down payment on our mortgage. With the help of countless contributors our down payment goal of $75,000 was reached in 2013 after a three-year campaign.. The land purchase is particularly significant in terms of community-building because of how it is funded–a bank was never approached. Once the down payment was raised the founder of Slow Money NC assembled a group of more than 30 individual lenders to cover the remaining $620,000. This group of lenders acts as a bank for this “community mortgage,” being repaid at a competitive interest rate over ten years. Slow Money NC is a possibility for securing funding for a multi-use building after we raise our down payment.

Shakori Hills has a vibe like no other place. SHCAC and our events are a “collective experience” for all that come. One on the unique qualities of SHCAC is the 72-acres of open, rolling hills--and at the core of our mission statement is to preserve it. It is a place where everyone can enjoy nature, take strolls on beautiful trails, have family afternoons in the sun and enjoy art, music, family, life and all it has to offer. The community has embraced Shakori Hills as a vibrant gathering place.

Our site is one of our greatest assets, but the shared experiences of people who come out are even more so. For many children and adults, it is a feeling of being “home,” accepted, and in love with life--which makes them want to come back and bring their friends. We’ve all heard from our friends, “what took me so long to get here?” Shakori Hills has evolved over the years to be a very valuable asset to the people of North Carolina and it is available for use in multiple ways both publicly and privately. Throughout the years we have steered away from “VIP-type” ticketing events to foster inclusiveness. We strive to create a nurturing environment for all.

Its not just our organization, it's the community we serve that gives us the capability to do this.

With acquisition of the land, our mission quickly evolved into an arts center and offers year-round, though modest, music, educational and community activities, both on-site and via outreach programs, outside of our four standing events. The 2017 installment of a 10-stall permanent restroom building allows us to meet county requirements for year-round operation and expansion of activities on-site. We have built strong relationships with other area nonprofits and educational groups and try to support their growth through their use of the property and infrastructure.