Gateway Regional Arts Center

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Montgomery County Council for the Arts is to promote, enhance and contribute to the educational, artistic and cultural lives of those living in Central and Eastern Kentucky.The council will serve as a resource for entertainment and as a supportive agency for artists and organizations contributing to the cultural climate of our community.

History

The Montgomery County Council for the Arts was established in 1992 to address the lack of arts and cultural programming in Montgomery County. We are a 501-c3 corporation that has grown to include a membership of 1000 individuals, a Governing Board, Executive Board and Advisory Board.

In 1997 our organization renovated a storefront on Main Street In Mt. Sterling and established the Gallery for the Arts. The gallery remained our home until September 19, 2009.

In 2002 an opportunity became available to purchase a former First United Methodist Church located directly across the street from our Gallery. This 12,000 square foot building was in need of repairs and upgrades but, overall in generally good shape.

With the support of our city and county governments we were able to purchase this former church that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Raising the 1.3 million needed for renovations took over 7 years and came from state and federal grants, businesses and many generous individuals.

Two of the three floors have been renovated and are utilized for: The Lewis Apperson White Performance Hall, gift shop, the Gallery, a visual arts classroom, rehearsal room, The Wilson Room - art resource library and community room, an artist in residence studio space, offices, accessible restrooms, etc.

We are continuing a Capital Campaign to finish renovating the remaining area which is the basement that will include a small performance cafe/green room, dressing rooms, commercial kitchen, and a classroom/prop shop.